How to Kill Oxalis Weeds
Tip
Oxalis can be a tricky weed to kill. Repeated applications of herbicide may be necessary to keep this weed under control.
Weeds have a difficult time overrunning a lawn that is healthy and well-established. Make sure the grass receives adequate water and fertilizer during the growing season.
Mowing prevents any emerging oxalis from forming seeds and spreading to other areas of the lawn.
In areas of turf where oxalis is abundant, it may become necessary to kill the existing grass and reseed or re-sod the area in spring or fall.
Raking the turf in the fall can eliminate existing oxalis and prevent reemergence in the spring. Hoeing helps remove the weed from garden areas.
Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata L.) is a perennial herb that is considered a troublesome weed in many lawns and gardens. This broadleaf weed, also known as creeping woodsorrell, has clover-like leaves with yellow, purple or green flowers when in bloom. Oxalis spreads throughout the landscape by spreading at the stems from the roots and through the vast production of seed. Although oxalis can be difficult to kill, methods are available to keep this weed under control.
Apply pre-emergence herbicide to lawn in early spring with a broadcast spreader. You can use a handheld spreader for gardens or small areas of grassy turf. You can purchase pre-emergence herbicides at home improvement and hardware stores or local nurseries. Some pre-emergence herbicides used to suppress the growth of oxalis are pendimethalin, prodiamine and dithiopyr. Read the label of any herbicide thoroughly to be certain it suppresses the growth of oxalis, a broadleaf weed, and not other desired plants in the lawn or garden.
- Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata L.) is a perennial herb that is considered a troublesome weed in many lawns and gardens.
- This broadleaf weed, also known as creeping woodsorrell, has clover-like leaves with yellow, purple or green flowers when in bloom.
Pull out any emerging oxalis by hand. Some oxalis may grow in the lawn or garden despite pre-emergence herbicide treatment. The best way to prevent spreading is to pull each weed out entirely with the root.
Apply post-emergence herbicides as necessary during the growing season. Post-emergence herbicides, like those that contain the chemical triclopyr, are made to kill existing oxalis weeds. You can also purchase these herbicides at a local home improvement center or nursery, and they come in concentrated strengths or premixed in spray bottles. If using concentrated herbicide, mix with water in a garden sprayer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Read the herbicide label carefully before applying to avoid killing desired plant life.
- Pull out any emerging oxalis by hand.
- If using concentrated herbicide, mix with water in a garden sprayer according to the manufacturer’s directions.
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Tips
- Oxalis can be a tricky weed to kill. Repeated applications of herbicide may be necessary to keep this weed under control.
- Weeds have a difficult time overrunning a lawn that is healthy and well-established. Make sure the grass receives adequate water and fertilizer during the growing season.
- Mowing prevents any emerging oxalis from forming seeds and spreading to other areas of the lawn.
- In areas of turf where oxalis is abundant, it may become necessary to kill the existing grass and reseed or re-sod the area in spring or fall.
- Raking the turf in the fall can eliminate existing oxalis and prevent reemergence in the spring. Hoeing helps remove the weed from garden areas.
Writer Bio
Barbara Biehler is a freelance writer who has written articles for various websites, as well as online specialty courses for MyComputerBuddies.com. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Central Florida and over 15 years experience in business development, sales and marketing. An avid gardener, cook and voracious reader, Biehler resides with her family near Nashville, Tennessee.
