Knowledgebase
What is this pesky weed called? And how do I get rid of it? #757372
Asked June 21, 2021, 1:59 AM EDT
What is this pesky weed called? And how do I get rid of it?
Chelan County Washington
Expert Response
It looks like our common violet. Does it have purple flowers? If so, there are a number of ways to manage it. From Missouri Botanical Gardens:
1. Live with the violets. A few violets can be attractive. All you may need to do is improve the health of the lawn so the lawn can better compete.
2. Hand pull or dig violets.Small areas or scattered plants can be hand pulled or dug. A good followup strategy is to then improve the health of the turf so new plants will be choked out.
3. Improve lawn maintenance. Once the immediate problem is under control using one of the methods above, the only long-term solution is to improve the vigor of the grass so it will choke out new plants before they become established. Steps may include reducing the amount of shade, improving soil drainage, watering turf during dry spells, and selecting grasses well adapted to local conditions. In general the turf-type fine fescues will compete better than Kentucky bluegrass. Mow high to help shade out weeds. It is especially important not to scalp shaded areas by mowing too low.
You can also carefully spot treat with glyphosate (E.g., Roundup). Violets are listed on the label, and follow all directions.
In turf areas, you can use one of the selective broadleaf herbicides that won't kill grass. One containing 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba (E.g., Trimec) or triclopyr (Turflon) may be used--wild violet is listed on the labels. Be sure to follow ALL label directions.
Walt
On Jun 21, 2021, at 8:10 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
If it's in your lawn, you may have mown them before they had a chance to flower?
Walt
On Jun 21, 2021, at 2:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Yep--that's violet.
What do I do about the weeds included in these pictures?
What do I do about the weeds included in these pictures?
The best way to minimize weeds in your lawn is to have a healthy lawn. Grass that is fertilized, watered, and mowed properly can outcompete weeds. That's an ongoing challenge, as you know. The next choice is to cultivate them--dig them out, getting as much of the roots as you can. As a last resort, you can opt to use an broadleaf herbicide with your fertilizer (weed and feed) if it's important to you to go weed-free. But you've got to remember to read and follow all label directions if you choose to go that route to minimize damage your yourself, others, the environment, and non-target plants. I've attached a photo with the weeds you're asking about. I can positively identify the round-leafed dwarf mallow (http://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/Search/MainMenuWithFactSheet.aspx?CategoryId=6&ProblemId=2013) and possibly horsetail (https://extension.wsu.edu/whitman/2013/11/horseweed/) The other one, I can't really tell, unless you have a mulberry tree nearby and it's a volunteer seedling. But the above advice applies to all the weeds you've asked about.
Walt
On Jul 3, 2021, at 4:40 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Same suggestions apply for control of the plant with the spotted leaves-- Spotted Spurge: http://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/Search/MainMenuWithFactSheet.aspx?CategoryId=6&ProblemId=2039
The other one looks like crabgrass...It can be controlled in spring with preemergent herbicides. Again please follow ALL directions for use! http://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/Search/MainMenuWithFactSheet.aspx?CategoryId=6&ProblemId=2015
Walt in Wenatchee
On Jul 3, 2021, at 5:05 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You're welcome! :-)
Walt
On Jul 3, 2021, at 5:05 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Could you send a photo, please?
