9 Plants That Will Wreak Havoc on Your Lawn
We’ve all been there. You plant something that seems like a good idea at the time, only to find out later that it’s taken over your yard like an uninvited houseguest. Some plants don’t just “grow,” they conquer—sending out roots, runners, or seeds that pop up in every corner of your lawn. These aggressive invaders can turn your well-manicured grass into an unruly jungle. Before you know it, you’re spending your weekends fighting a losing battle. If you want to save yourself some headaches, it’s best to avoid these nine lawn-wrecking plants altogether. I’ve seen enough lawns lost to these botanical bullies to know—they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Let’s dive in.
1. Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
Bamboo might seem like a zen addition to your garden, but it’s a fast-spreading nightmare for your lawn. Those underground rhizomes will snake their way across your yard, popping up in places you never expected. And once it’s in, good luck getting rid of it—bamboo’s roots can be as stubborn as a mule.
2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy (like many popular types of ivy) looks classy climbing up old brick walls, but let it loose in your yard, and you’ll have a real problem on your hands. It doesn’t stop at the lawn—it creeps over everything, smothering grass and nearby plants. Plus, once established, pulling it up is like battling a hydra; yank one vine and three more seem to appear.
3. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
Also known as ground ivy, this one spreads faster than gossip in a small town. Creeping Charlie thrives in shady, moist spots and will choke out your grass with its relentless vines. Trying to pull it up? You might need to clear your weekend—it’s more clingy than you’d think.
4. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is great in mojitos but a menace in your garden. What starts as a cute herb patch quickly becomes a takeover as its underground runners stretch across your lawn like a bad weed. If you plant it without a container, expect it to show up in places you never invited it.
5. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)
In the right spot, Bermuda grass can make a fine lawn. But if it creeps where it’s not wanted, it’s more of a bully than a buddy. Its wiry rhizomes can snake under fences and sidewalks, popping up where it doesn’t belong, and taking over before you’ve even noticed it arrived.
6. Wild Violets (Viola odorata)
Wild violets look innocent enough, but don’t let their delicate blooms fool you—they’ve got a tenacious root system that digs deep. They’ll spread fast, and before you know it, your lawn will be full of these stubborn little squatters, leaving you scratching your head on how to get rid of them.
7. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
This plant is the definition of “invasive.” Japanese Knotweed doesn’t just invade your lawn; it invades your life. With roots that can grow through concrete, your grass doesn’t stand a chance. It’s one of those plants you wish you’d never met.
8. Clover (Trifolium spp.)
Clover isn’t all bad, but if you’re aiming for that perfectly manicured lawn, you’ll be pulling it out by the handful. It spreads fast and will outcompete your grass, leaving your lawn looking more like a pasture. You might want to leave this one to the bees.
9. Quackgrass (Elymus repens)
Quackgrass doesn’t know when to quit. It sends out rhizomes that travel far and wide, pushing through your turf like an uninvited guest. Once it takes hold, it’s a battle to get it out—it’s like trying to pull string from a tangled ball of yarn.
Considerations When Planting Near a Lawn
To avoid picking plants that’ll turn your lawn into a battlefield, here are some tips to keep things peaceful:
- Stay away from aggressive spreaders: Some plants love to take over. Think mint or bamboo—they’ll send runners into your grass and before you know it, they’ve hijacked your lawn. Stick to non-invasive varieties that know how to mind their own business.
- Watch for thirsty neighbors: Plants that guzzle water can leave your lawn high and dry. Choose ones that won’t hog all the moisture or be ready to give the lawn a little extra hydration.
- Mind the shade: Tall plants can cast big shadows. If they block too much sunlight, your grass might struggle to grow. Keep taller plants further back, so your lawn can still soak up the sun.
- Keep chemical sensitivity in check: Some plants are more sensitive to lawn treatments like fertilizers or weed killers. Choose hardy plants that won’t throw a fit if they get a little spray drift.
- Roots that play nice: Avoid plants with roots that like to wander, like trees or shrubs, which can choke out your lawn. Instead, choose plants with compact root systems that won’t interfere with the grass.
With these tips, your lawn and plants can live in harmony—no turf wars necessary!
Linsay is an American copywriter based in the Pacific Northwest with a background in academic writing and research. Linsay holds Master's degree in both Anthropology and Library and Information Sciences and has written for numerous national and international publications including USA Today, SFGATE, Hunker, and The Bump across an array of topics in the gardening, green living, and travel sectors. When she's not writing, you'll usually find Linsay reading, kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, or working in her garden.