Knowledgebase

Hawkweed management #935627

Asked June 15, 2026, 5:07 PM EDT

My lawn is being taken over by hawkweed. What is the best way to control it?

Merrimack County New Hampshire

Expert Response

Hi Laura, 

Thanks for reaching out to the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline. The presence of Hawkweed is indicative of a lawn that needs some help. It often means that the soil has low fertility, acidic pH, and possibly drought stress. 

First, I would recommend a soil test to see what the nutrient levels and pH of the soil are. UNH Extension offers soil testing and for more information, please see the Soil Testing Services website-

https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/soil-testing-services 

If the pH is too low (acidic) you will likely need to add lime. If your nutrient levels are low, adding fertilizer will be necessary. Once those things are done, you will need to broadcast grass seed to compete with the hawkweed. With better pH and nutrient levels, it will give the grass an edge over the weeds. 

I hope this helps and please ask if you have further questions! 

Thank you for contacting the Yard and Garden Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension Replied June 17, 2026, 9:59 AM EDT

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