Learn how common weeds can reveal soil problems—and what to do next.

• Dandelions, stinging nettle, or burdock: May point to low calcium and
  compacted soil
• Crabgrass, plantain, moss, or sheep sorrel: Often signal low nitrogen or
  depleted soil
• Lambsquarters, wild buckwheat, or knapweed: Can indicate low phosphorus
  and higher potassium
• Prostrate knotweed, bindweed, or curly dock: Common signs of compacted,
  heavy, or poorly drained soil

Quick Soil Clues

Different weeds thrive in different conditions. Use them as clues before adding fertilizer, lime, or soil amendments.

• Compacted or clay-heavy soil: Dandelions, plantain, and bindweed
• Poor drainage: Field horsetail and dock
• Low fertility: Crabgrass, yarrow, and sheep sorrel
• High nitrogen or rich soil: Chickweed, henbit, and pigweed
• Acidic soil: Sheep sorrel and moss

Weeds Can Help, Too

Although weeds compete with lawn and garden plants, they can also improve soil over time.

• Deep roots loosen compacted soil.
• Roots pull minerals upward from deeper layers.
• Decomposing weeds add organic matter back into the soil.

Before you pull every weed, read the signs—your soil may be asking for help.