Many homeowners assume that once cold weather arrives, weeds die off and lawn problems disappear until spring. While freezing temperatures may slow weed growth or make them less visible, cold weather does not actually kill most weeds. In fact, winter is often when many weeds quietly survive — or even thrive — beneath the surface.
Understanding how weeds behave in cold weather can help you protect your lawn year-round and prevent bigger weed problems when spring arrives.
Weeds are incredibly resilient plants. Many species are specifically adapted to survive freezing temperatures through dormancy, deep root systems, or protective growth habits.
Instead of dying, weeds typically:
Go dormant above ground while roots remain alive
Store energy in their roots to regrow in spring
Continue growing slowly during mild winter conditions
This means that even though weeds may appear brown or inactive, they’re often very much alive.
Some weeds actually prefer cooler temperatures and can grow aggressively during fall and winter. Common winter weeds include:
These weeds germinate in fall, survive winter, and explode with growth in early spring — often before your lawn fully wakes up.
Frost may damage the visible parts of a weed, but it rarely affects the root system. Once temperatures rise, the weed simply regrows from the roots or spreads through seeds that survived winter.
This is why lawns without winter weed control often look:
Patchy in early spring
Overrun with weeds before grass fills in
Harder to treat once weeds are established
Because weeds don’t die in winter, year-round lawn care is essential. Winter is actually one of the best times to:
Prevent weed germination with pre-emergent treatments
Strengthen turf roots so grass competes better in spring
Reduce the overall weed seed population
Skipping winter treatments allows weeds to get a head start — and once they do, they’re much harder to control.
Video: Lawn Care in the Winter is NOT a Waste!
The most effective weed control strategy focuses on prevention, not just reaction. That includes:
Seasonal weed control applications
Maintaining proper lawn health and density
Addressing weeds before they emerge
A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds — and that starts long before spring.
Just because weeds aren’t obvious doesn’t mean they’re gone. Cold weather may slow them down, but it doesn’t eliminate them. Staying proactive during winter helps ensure a greener, healthier, weed-free lawn when warmer weather returns.
If you want to learn more about year-round weed control or how seasonal treatments protect your lawn, explore our lawn care services or contact our team for expert guidance.