The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Dollarweed From Your Lawn

If you’ve ever dealt with dollarweed, you know how pesky and relentless this herbaceous plant can be. But fear not, as there are several effective ways to get rid of dollarweed and reclaim your lawn. From natural methods to chemical herbicides, we’ll cover it all in this comprehensive guide. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of battling dollarweed.

Understanding Dollarweed

Before we jump into the various methods of eliminating dollarweed, let’s get to know our opponent a little better. Commonly known as “pennywort,” dollarweed sports round leaves that resemble small coins, measuring 1 to 2 inches across. It belongs to the Hydrocotyle genus and is native to North Africa and Europe. Dollarweed is a perennial plant that thrives in zones 6 to 10, reaching heights of up to 6 inches. Its purplish-green flowers may bloom during the summer, adding a touch of color to your garden.

Dollarweed is not a picky plant; it can survive in both sunny and shady areas, as well as wet soils where other plants struggle to grow. Some gardeners even use it as ground cover or around water features due to its adaptability. However, its aggressive spreading nature can quickly turn it into a nuisance if left unchecked.

8 Effective Ways to Banish Dollarweed

Non-Product Methods

1. Improve Drainage: Dollarweed thrives in overly wet conditions, indicating poor drainage in your lawn. Installing a French drain can help solve this issue, reducing the moisture levels in the soil and making it less favorable for dollarweed to grow.

Tip: Apply an herbicide in conjunction with improving drainage for best results.

Herbicidal Methods

1. Chemical Herbicide on Lawns: Selective herbicides like Atrazine or Pennington UltraGreen Weed and Feed can effectively target and eliminate dollarweed on lawns without harming the grass. Always follow the instructions on the label for application and dosage.

2. Chemical Herbicide in Landscape Beds: Non-selective herbicides containing glyphosate are ideal for flower or shrub beds infested with dollarweed. Carefully aim the spray directly on the weed to avoid damaging desirable plants.

3. Household Herbicides: If you prefer safer or more affordable alternatives, household products can also help eradicate dollarweed. While these may require multiple applications, they can be effective, especially on young plants in spring. Here are four options to try:

4. Baking soda
5. Boiling water
6. Sugar water
7. Vinegar

Natural Methods

1. Hand-Pulling: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Regularly hand-pulling dollarweed can help control its spread, especially in small infestations.

2. Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around plants can smother dollarweed and prevent it from growing. Mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil and improve overall soil health.

3. Proper Mowing: Maintaining your lawn at the correct height can prevent dollarweed from getting the sunlight it needs to thrive. Adjust your mower blades to the recommended height for your grass type.

4. Aeration: Aerating your lawn can improve soil compaction and drainage, making it less hospitable to dollarweed. Consider aerating at least once a year for optimal results.

Conclusion

By following these tips and strategies, you can effectively tackle dollarweed infestations in your lawn and garden. Whether you prefer natural methods or chemical herbicides, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Remember to observe proper application techniques and safety precautions when using herbicides, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. With patience and persistence, you can achieve a dollarweed-free lawn that you can enjoy all year round. Happy gardening!