As spring sets in across Calgary, so does the annual battle with lawn weeds. Dandelions, thistle, and creeping bellflower are some of the most persistent invaders in our area—and they can quickly undo all your hard work if left unchecked.
At Earth Smart Property Solutions, we help Calgary homeowners keep their lawns healthy, green, and weed-free. Here’s how to identify the most common weeds in Calgary lawns—and what you can do to stay on top of them this season.
Most Common Weeds Found in Calgary
1. Dandelions
How to Identify:
These bright yellow flowers with hollow stems and fluffy white seed heads are easy to spot—and even easier to spread across your lawn.
Why They’re a Problem:
Dandelions compete with grass for nutrients and water, and once they go to seed, they can spread rapidly with the help of Calgary’s wind.
Control Tips:
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Keep your lawn dense and well-fed to reduce space for dandelions.
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Mow high to shade the soil and prevent weed seeds from germinating.
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Apply a targeted weed control treatment early in the season for best results.
2. Creeping Bellflower
How to Identify:
This aggressive weed has tall stalks with purple, bell-shaped flowers and heart-like leaves. It thrives in both sun and shade—making it a challenge in Calgary’s varied backyards.
Why It’s a Problem:
Creeping bellflower spreads by seed and root, making it hard to eliminate without a consistent lawn care plan.
Control Tips:
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Address infestations before flowering to limit seed spread.
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Avoid digging unless you remove the full root system—it’s tough!
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Regular weed control applications help manage regrowth effectively.
3. Canada Thistle
How to Identify:
Prickly leaves and clusters of purple blooms on tall stalks. It forms dense patches through deep underground roots and is common in neglected or open areas around Calgary.
Why It’s a Problem:
Hard to remove and quick to spread, thistle can take over sunny areas and make lawn use uncomfortable due to its sharp spines.
Control Tips:
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Start early—young thistle is easier to treat.
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Don’t mow over it, as this can spread seeds.
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Use consistent, reliable lawn care to break its growth cycle.
These weeds are among the most commonly identified in Calgary lawns, as recognized by local lawn care providers and the City of Calgary’s invasive plant list.
For more information on common weeds found in Alberta lawns and tips to manage them, check out this blog.
✅ Healthy Lawns Resist Weeds
The best defense against lawn weeds is a strong offense—aka a thick, resilient lawn that leaves no room for invaders. Here’s what we recommend for Calgary lawns:
🌱 Pro Tips for Weed Prevention:
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Aerate in spring or fall to support deep root growth. Learn more about our aeration service here.
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Fertilize regularly with seasonally appropriate nutrients.
Check out our seasonal packages here. -
Water deeply but less often to help your lawn grow stronger roots. For more watering tips and signs you are over or under watering, check out this blog.
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Overseed in bare or thin areas to prevent weeds from taking hold. Learn more about our overseeding service here.
💚 Earth Smart Can Help You Win the Weed Battle
Weeds are no match for a lawn that’s properly maintained and professionally supported. At Earth Smart Property Solutions, our seasonal lawn care packages are designed to keep Calgary lawns thick, green, and healthy—with reliable weed control built in.
📍 Proudly serving Calgary and surrounding communities*.
*Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, De Winton, Langdon, Okotoks, Strathmore
👉 Explore our seasonal packages here and enjoy a weed-free lawn all season long.
We also offer vegetation control services. You can learn more about them here.
If you have any questions or concerns about your lawn, please feel free to contact our team of lawn care professionals in Calgary or Red Deer and they’d be happy to help answer any questions that you may have.
Sources:
City of Calgary, Common Pests in Calgary
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