Spurge is a weed that is notoriously difficult to treat due to the amount of seeds it produces. By taking steps to prevent spurge, you will save yourself time, energy, and money come summer. Read below to learn more.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
The easiest and most important step in combating spurge before it grows is to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
Spurge grows quickly in sparse turf and bare patches on the lawn. Having a healthy, thick turf will defend against invading weeds.
A well-maintained turf will also prevent sunlight from reaching the soil, which inhibits spurge seeds from germinating and growing.
To maintain a healthy lawn, follow our lawn care treatment calendars. The calendars will help you stay on top of other important lawn care steps throughout the year.
Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide Treatment
If you have had a prior spurge problem in your yard, a pre-emergent herbicide treatment is a smart way to prevent spurge from growing. By applying a pre-emergent herbicide treatment in the fall, you will save yourself lots of hassle in the spring.
When applying a pre-emergent herbicide, remember to:
- Use a pre-emergent labeled for spurge. Dimension 2EW, Ferti-Lome, and Prodiamine 65 WDG are all labeled for spurge.
- Use a pre-emergent labeled for your grass type. Some pre-emergents cannot be used in certain grasses. Consult the product label to be certain the pre-emergent you select is compatible with your grass.
- Review the pre-emergent label for specific instructions. Some herbicides require a freshly mowed lawn for best use, while others need to be watered in after being applied. Follow all steps and instructions on the label of your pre-emergent.
- Apply when the time is right. Spurge begins to germinate when the ground temperature reaches 60 degrees. That is why it is recommended that you apply your pre-emergent herbicide when the ground temperature is just below 55 degrees in the spring, and before the first frost in the fall. In the spring, apply pre-emergent before the weather warms. Consult your local extension office for advice on when to apply your pre-emergent herbicide treatment.
Watch the video below for instructions on applying a pre-emergent herbicide.
Products needed for Step 2
Conclusion
We hope you found this 4-part guide helpful. If you're unsure if you have spurge weeds, read our guide on what spurge weeds look like. Where spurge grows in the lawn will help you target your weeds and how to get rid of spurge is your guide on how to kill spurge.
If you have any additional questions about spurge or the products mentioned in this guide, give our experts on the customer service team a call at 866-581-7378 or email support@domyown.com.