(SBA) - Dealing with lawn weeds can be a formidable challenge, especially if you cannot distinguish between different types. Among the various lawn invaders, prostrate spurge stands out as a particularly notorious weed across the United States.
This blog will guide you through effectively eliminating spurge. One effective control option is spot-treating spurge plants with Blindside Herbicide.
Understanding Spurge
Spurge is a common summer annual weed identified by its red hairy stem and a dense mat of dark green leaves. This growth pattern enables it to survive even under low mowing heights, making it a resilient foe.
Spurge typically thrives in warmer, thinner areas of lawns, where it can easily smother weak turfgrass. Although predominantly a summer weed, in southern states, due to milder temperatures, spurge can continue growing into the winter months.
The lifecycle of spurge begins when soil temperatures reach around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which stimulates seed germination. These plants can rapidly dominate a lawn, with newly sprouted plants capable of producing seeds within just five weeks.
Seeds produced by the plants in the later half of the season may remain dormant until the following spring, making consistent identification and treatment key. Recognizing and addressing a spurge problem early in its growth cycle is the best way to prevent it from overwhelming your lawn.
Non-Chemical Ways to Control Spurge
Before resorting to herbicides, consider the following cultural practices to reduce the likelihood of spurge infestation:
Chemical Control of Spurge
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Spurge
In addition to cultural and chemical methods, natural approaches can also effectively manage spurge infestations. Hand-pulling is a direct and effective method for small infestations, although removing the entire root system is crucial to prevent regrowth. Wearing gloves is recommended, as spurge releases a milky sap that can irritate the skin.
Introducing beneficial ground covers or thicker grass varieties can also outcompete spurge and other weeds, providing a long-term, sustainable solution to weed problems.
Fertilization as a Preventive Measure
To enhance your lawn’s resilience against weeds, consider using a specialized fertilizer like Lawnifi®, designed to provide optimal nutrients with minimal product use.
As previously stated, recognizing and addressing a spurge problem early in its growth cycle is the best way to prevent it from overwhelming your lawn. As its name suggests, a pre-emergent herbicide prevents weeds before they appear, whereas a post-emergent treats weed once the weeds are already present.
How to Get Rid of Spurge – Answered
To control spurge, combine cultural, natural, and chemical strategies. To discourage spurge growth, grow a dense, healthy lawn through regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing. For smaller outbreaks, manually remove spurge, ensuring the entire root is extracted.
For more persistent infestations, use chemical treatments like Blindside Herbicide, which targets the weed at both the root and foliage levels. Pre-emergent herbicides, such as Prodiamine 65 WDG, can also prevent spurge from appearing. Always follow product instructions carefully to manage weeds without harming your lawn.
Want to learn more about achieving a great lawn? Check out more Sod University tips here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
This article was written by Sod Solutions Content Strategist, Valerie Smith. To view this article on Sod Solutions website, click here. Sod Solutions is celebrating 30 years of successfully developing and releasing turfgrasses with over 20 market-leading varieties like Palmetto® St. Augustine, Celebration® Bermudagrass, EMPIRE® Zoysia and more. Based in Charleston, SC, Sod Solutions is your go-to expert resource for lawn and garden content. For media inquiries and visual materials, reach out to Cecilia Johnson at cecilia@sodsolutions.com.
