family owned and operated for 39 years
Weed Control Guide for Calgary’s Common Weeds
If you live in Calgary, you’ve likely battled a few stubborn weeds in your lawn. Some pop up every spring like clockwork. Others creep in and quietly take over before you even realize what’s happening.
Understanding what’s growing in your yard is the first step to taking control. At Greener Grass, we know all about weed control that actually works in Calgary’s unique conditions — and we’re here to help you tackle the worst offenders head-on!
This blog will break down some of the most common weeds in Calgary and how to keep them from taking over your lawn.
7 Common Calgary Weeds and How to Keep Them Under Control
1. Dandelions
Often seen as the “harbingers of spring,” dandelions are one of the most recognized weeds in Calgary. Their deep taproots make them tough to remove, which is why effective weed control in Calgary starts with proper treatment, right down to the root.
Control Tip: Regular mowing helps prevent seed heads from forming, but the best approach is a targeted herbicide treatment in spring or fall.
2. White Clover
White clover is as common as it looks harmless enough, until it’s everywhere! White clover loves thin or underfed lawns. It spreads through runners and quickly forms dense patches. While some people like the look, it competes with your grass for nutrients.
Control Tip: Feeding your lawn properly and overseeding bare spots helps crowd it out. Spot treatment with a selective herbicide works well for larger patches.
3. Canada Thistle
A prickly invader that’s tough to eliminate. Canada thistle is one of the most aggressive weeds in Alberta. Its root system spreads underground, meaning you can’t just dig it up — it’ll come back stronger.
Control Tip: Use a selective weed control product with a systemic herbicide. It’s best applied when the plant is actively growing so it reaches the roots.
4. Creeping Bellflower
Pretty purple flowers with a sneaky habit of taking over.
This weed often fools homeowners with its good looks. But once it’s in your yard, it spreads rapidly through both seeds and roots. It’s resistant to many common herbicides.
Control Tip: Persistence is key. You’ll need a strong, selective broadleaf herbicide containing a triclopyr compound to make real progress. Pulling weeds by hand? Make sure you get the whole plant, roots and all, or it’ll grow right back. Skip the compost pile too. Toss them in the trash so they don’t sneak back into your lawn.
5. Quackgrass
Quackgrass looks like regular grass, but quickly takes over with thick underground rhizomes. It spreads fast and competes aggressively with your turf, forming clumps that disrupt the smooth, green look of your lawn.
Control Tip: Dig out the entire root system—every fragment counts! For widespread patches, we recommend selective herbicide treatments timed during active growth for the best results.
6. Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie)
Ground ivy thrives in shady, damp areas and spreads low across the lawn. Its scalloped leaves and purple flowers may seem harmless, but it can smother grass and invade flower beds fast.
Control Tip: Pull by hand only if roots come out clean. Professional lawn weed control services like Greener Grass can use precise, selective herbicides and adjust lawn care routines to reduce shade and moisture buildup.
7. Chickweed
Chickweed forms dense mats in thin or bare lawn spots. It grows quickly in cool weather and can choke out grass if left unchecked. Its small white flowers and low profile often go unnoticed until it spreads.
Control Tip: Rake it out early and thicken your lawn with overseeding. For stubborn growth, targeted broadleaf herbicide works best to knock it back without harming your grass.
Why Weed Control in Calgary Needs a Local Approach
Calgary’s weather swings, short growing season, and dry conditions make weed control a unique challenge. To truly know about weed control, you need to understand what works here and not what works elsewhere. Many products used in other provinces don’t hold up.
A thick, healthy lawn is your best defence. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing help grass crowd out weeds. But for tough, deep-rooted invaders, weed control in Calgary often calls for expert help. It saves you time, frustration, and repeated guesswork.
That’s where we at Greener Grass can help. We know about weed control and what actually works in the city’s unique climate. Contact us today!
