Is Dollarweed Bad

If you’ve noticed small, round leaves spreading across your lawn, you might be wondering: is dollarweed bad? This common lawn invader, also known as pennywort, often sparks debate among gardeners about its actual harm.

Dollarweed thrives in moist conditions and can quickly form a dense mat. While some consider it a weed, others note its uses. Let’s look at what it means for your grass and whether you need to take action.

So, is dollarweed inherently harmful? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Dollarweed itself isn’t toxic or poisonous to your lawn or pets. Its primary “harm” lies in its competitive nature.

It indicates that your lawn’s environment is favoring the weed over your grass. When dollarweed takes over, it competes for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This can weaken and thin out your desired turfgrass over time.

What Dollarweed Tells You About Your Lawn

Dollarweed is a symptom of underlying lawn conditions. Think of it as a messenger. Its presence usually points to one or more of these common issues:

Excessive Moisture: This is the number one cause. Overwatering, poor drainage, or low spots that collect water create the perfect home for dollarweed.
Compacted Soil: Hard soil prevents water from draining properly and makes it tough for grass roots to grow strong.
Low Mowing Height: Cutting your grass too short stresses it and allows sunlight to reach dollarweed seeds at the soil surface.
Nutrient-Poor Soil: Lawns that are under-fertilized or have poor soil health are less able to outcompete vigorous weeds.

The Pros and Cons of Dollarweed

To get a balanced view, it’s helpful to weigh its characteristics. You might be suprised by some of its qualities.

Potential Benefits

It’s edible and can be used in salads or as an herb.
Its dense growth can help prevent soil erosion in wet areas.
It has a bright green color some find attractive as a ground cover.

Definite Drawbacks

It spreads aggressively through seeds, roots, and stem fragments.
It forms a thick mat that chokes out thin or weakened grass.
It’s very difficult to remove by hand due to its fragile, spreading stems.
It signals an underlying lawn health problem that needs fixing.

How to Remove Dollarweed From Your Lawn

If you’ve decided dollarweed is bad for your lawn goals, removal requires a two-step approach: kill the existing weed and fix the condition that caused it. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Correct the Growing Conditions

This is the most important long-term step. Without it, dollarweed will likely return.

Improve Drainage: Aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction. You can also grade low areas or install a simple french drain in severe cases.
Adjust Watering: Water your lawn deeply but less frequently. This encourages deep grass roots. Let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings.
Mow Higher: Set your mower blade to the highest recommended setting for your grass type. Taller grass shades the soil and outcompetes weeds.
Fertilize Appropriately: Feed your lawn based on a soil test. A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against any weed.

Step 2: Choose a Removal Method

You have a few options, from natural to chemical. Often, a combination works best.

Manual Removal: For small patches, you can try digging it out. You must remove every bit of the root and stem system, which is tricky. Any piece left behind can regrow.

Natural Herbicides: Horticultural vinegar or herbicidal soaps can burn back the foliage. These usually require multiple applications and don’t always kill the root system completly.

Selective Post-Emergent Herbicides: Look for products containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or sulfentrazone labeled for dollarweed/pennywort. Always follow the label instructions precisely for your grass type. Spot-treating is often safer for your lawn than blanket applications.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides: In early spring, a pre-emergent can help prevent dollarweed seeds from sprouting. This is a good follow-up after you’ve cleared an infestation.

Preventing Dollarweed From Coming Back

Once you’ve cleared your lawn, maintenance is key. A proactive approach saves you work later.

Stick to your improved watering schedule, especially during humid summer months.
Continue to mow high and keep your mower blade sharp to avoid stressing the grass.
Aerate your lawn annually if you have soil compaction issues.
Overseed bare spots in your lawn quickly to prevent weeds from moving in.
Conduct regular lawn inspections so you can adress any new dollarweed sprouts immediately.

When to Consider Letting It Be

In some situations, fighting dollarweed might not be worth the effort. If you have a consistently wet, shady area where grass struggles to grow, dollarweed might be a functional, green ground cover. Some people even intentionally grow it in bog gardens or around water features.

The decision ultimately depends on your vision for your yard. A perfect, uniform turf requires removal. A more naturalized landscape might tolerate or even welcome it in certain zones.

FAQ About Dollarweed

Is dollarweed the same as dichondra?
No, they are different plants. Dollarweed has a single, round leaf with a stem attached in the center (like a lily pad). Dichondra has smaller, kidney-shaped leaves and a different growth habit.

Will dollarweed kill my grass?
It won’t directly “kill” it, but it will aggressively compete with it. Over time, a severe infestation can crowd out and smother your grass, leading to large bare patches.

What kills dollarweed but not grass?
Selective broadleaf herbicides are designed to do this. Products containing a mix of 2,4-D, dicamba, and mecoprop (often called “three-way” herbicides) are commonly effective. Always verify the product is safe for your specific type of turfgrass.

Why does dollarweed keep coming back?
It usually returns because the underlying wet soil condition hasn’t been fixed. If the area stays moist and the roots aren’t fully eradicated, it will persist. Consistent prevention is crucial.

Is dollarweed harmful to dogs or other pets?
No, dollarweed is not known to be toxic to dogs, cats, or other animals. However, it’s always best to discourage pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plant.

In the end, labeling dollarweed as purely “bad” is a matter of perspective. Its harm is directly related to your lawn care goals. For a pristine turf, it’s a problematic weed that signals the need for better lawn management. By understanding why it’s there and taking corrected action, you can restore the balance in favor of your grass. Remember, the most effective weed control is always a thick, healthy, and vigorously growing lawn.