How to Get Rid of Spotted Spurge from Your Lawn?
For many lawn owners, spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) can be a nuisance. It is a prostrate annual broadleaf weed that quickly takes over an area and crowds out desirable grasses and plants. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to get rid of spotted spurge from your lawn. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prevent spotted spurge from taking over, as well as remedies for existing spotted spurge.
Definition of Spotted Spurge
Spotted Spurge is an annual broadleaf weed with a prostrate growth habit that can be found in many lawns. It has dark green leaves with red spots, and small, white flowers. Although it can be a nuisance in some cases, it also has some benefits and uses.
Benefits and Uses of Spotted Spurge
Spotted spurge is often used as a cover crop for gardens and flower beds due to its ability to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. This can help keep weeds from sprouting and reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation. However, if left unchecked, spotted spurge can quickly take over an area and crowd out desirable grasses and plants, making it difficult to remove.
Reasons to Get Rid of Spotted Spurge
Although spotted spurge is beneficial in some instances, it can become a nuisance in your lawn and garden if left unchecked. It can quickly take over an area and crowd out desirable grasses and plants, and can be difficult to remove. For this reason, it is important to take steps to prevent spotted spurge from taking over your lawn, as well as knowing what to do if it does become a problem.
Preventative Measure
Keeping your lawn healthy is one of the best ways to prevent spotted spurge from taking over. Regularly mow, water, fertilize, aerate, and overseed your lawn to keep it thick and lush. This will help crowd out any existing weeds and make it difficult for new ones to take hold. In addition, removing dead grass and weeds by hand or with a rake can help reduce the number of weed seeds in your lawn. This will reduce the amount of available food for any existing weeds, making it harder for them to survive.
Fertilizers and herbicides can also help prevent spotted spurge from spreading in your lawn. Use a pre-emergent herbicide before the weed has had a chance to germinate, or a post-emergent herbicide once it has sprouted. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully when using these products.
Remedies for Existing Spotted Spurge
If you have an infestation of spotted spurge, you may want to consider hiring a professional lawn care company to take care of it for you. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for getting rid of the weed. Alternatively, you can use Roundup or post emergent herbicides on your own. Again, be sure to read and follow all directions on the label carefully when using these products.
It is also important to distinguish between prostrate spurge (Euphorbia supina) and spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata). Prostrate spurge is similar in appearance but is not as aggressive or difficult to control as spotted spurge. If you are unsure which weed you are dealing with, consult an expert or contact your local county extension office for advice.
If you have other desirable plants in your lawn, such as shrubs or flowers, you may want to use selective herbicides that will only target the spotted spurge without affecting other plants. Again, be sure to read and follow all directions on the label carefully when using these products.
You can also make your own homemade killer by mixing one gallon of white vinegar with one cup of salt and one tablespoon of dish soap. Pour this solution directly onto the spotted spurge patches in your lawn to kill them off. This method may take multiple applications before the weed is completely gone.
How to get rif of spotted spurge? [VIDEO]
Conclusion
In this article we discussed how to get rid of spotted spurge from your lawn. We covered preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy lawn, removing dead grass and weeds, and using fertilizers and herbicides. We also discussed remedies for existing spotted spurge such as hiring a professional lawn care company, using Roundup or post emergent herbicides, distinguishing prostrate spurge vs. spotted spurge, using selective herbicides, and using homemade killer solutions.
Vinegar can also be used as an effective homemade remedy for killing off spotted spurge patches in your lawn. Mix one gallon of white vinegar with one cup of salt and one tablespoon of dish soap and pour directly onto affected areas for best results. If you’re looking for professional help with getting rid of your spotted spurge infestation, you can search online for “lawn care companies near me” or “weed control services near me” for local options in your area.
Spotted spurge can quickly take over an area if left unchecked, but with the right prevention measures and remedies you can get rid of it from your lawn once and for all!
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