If you have spurge weed in your yard, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of. This invasive plant can quickly take over an area and is very hard to get rid of. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to get rid of spurge weed. We will answer some common questions, provide helpful tips, and give you a list of products that can help you eradicate this weed for good!
Table of Contents
What Is Spurge Weed?
Spurge weed is an annual plant that grows rapidly and reproduces quickly. This weed is often found in gardens, landscapes, and yards. Spurge weed can be very difficult to control because it produces a large number of seeds that can easily spread to other areas.
This weed is often mistaken for other plants, such as impatiens or begonias. Spurge weed has small, oval-shaped leaves that are green or red in color. The stem of this plant is slender and can grow up to two feet tall. The flowers of spurge weed are small and white or yellow in color.
Spurge weed is most active in the spring and summer months but can also be found growing in the fall and winter. This weed is most commonly found in the southern United States but can also be found in other parts of the country.
Spurge Identification
Spurge weed is a broadleaf plant that can grow up to two feet tall. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color with white veins running through them. The flowers of spurge weed are small and yellow in color, and they grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. Spurge weed is most commonly found in lawns, gardens, and other areas where there is disturbed soil. This weed can quickly take over an area if it is not controlled.
If you think you have spurge weed in your yard, it is important to identify it correctly before attempting to control it. There are many different types of weeds, and some of them look very similar to spurge weed. If you are unsure, you can take a sample of the plant to your local Cooperative Extension office or nursery for identification.[1]
Once you are sure that you have spurge weed in your yard, you can begin taking steps to control it.
Must-Have Tools to Kill and Get Rid of Spurge Plant
To get rid of spurge weed, you need the following items:
- A hoe or other Garden Tool to loosen the soil around the plant.
- Herbicide that contains Glyphosate acid as the active ingredient. You can find this at your local hardware store or online.
- A sprayer to apply the herbicide evenly over the plant leaves.
Now that you have all the necessary tools, let’s move on to how to get rid of spurge weed![4]
Inspection
The first step to getting rid of spurge weed is to properly inspect your property. This means taking a close look at the affected areas and trying to identify the root cause of the problem. If you can’t figure out what’s causing the issue, it will be much more difficult to solve it.
There are a few things that you should look for when inspecting your property:
- Are there any open wounds or cuts on the plant?
- Is the plant discolored or wilted in any way?
- Do you see any insects on the plant?
- Is the plant growing in an area with poor drainage?
Once you’ve done a thorough inspection, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed.[2]
Facts About Spurge Weed Plant
Spurge weed is a low-growing, annual plant that is common in lawns and gardens. The plant has small, dark green leaves and produces yellow flowers. Spurge weed is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, which includes plants such as poinsettias and rubber trees.
The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to North America, where it is considered an invasive species.
Spurge weed is also known by its scientific name, Euphorbia peplus. Other common names for spurge weed include radium weed, cancerweed, milkweed, and petty spurge.[4]
Types of Spurge Weed
There are two types of spurge weed, and they are both common in North America. The first type is called leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), and it is a perennial weed that grows in pastures, meadows, and open fields. It has dark green leaves with small yellow flowers. The second type of spurge weed is called cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias), and it is an annual weed that grows in gardens, lawns, and landscapes. It has small blue-green leaves with white flowers.
Spurge weeds are not only unsightly, but they can also be harmful to your plants and grass. They compete for space and nutrients, which can stunt the growth of your plants. Spurge weeds can also harbor diseases and pests that can damage your plants. If you have spurge weed in your garden, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible.[4]
How to Control, Kill, and Get Rid of Spurge Weeds with Pre-Emergent Herbicide
If you want to get rid of spurge weeds before they sprout, you’ll need to use a pre-emergent herbicide. This type of herbicide works by creating a barrier on the surface of the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. You’ll need to apply pre-emergent herbicide before the weed seeds have a chance to sprout, so be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions.
There are a few different types of pre-emergent herbicides that you can choose from, but we recommend using one that contains acetochlor.
Once you’ve applied the pre-emergent herbicide, you’ll need to water it in well so that it can reach the roots of the weeds. After a few weeks, you should start to see a reduction in the number of spurge weeds in your garden.[3]
How to Control, Kill, and Get Rid of Spurge with Post-Emergent Herbicide
If you have spurge on your property, you may be wondering how to get rid of it. Spurge is a tough weed that can be difficult to control. However, there are some things you can do to get rid of spurge and keep it from coming back.
One way to get rid of spurge is to use a post-emergent herbicide. Post-emergent herbicides work by killing the weeds that are already growing. They will not prevent new weeds from germinating, so you will need to reapply them as needed.
There are many different types of post-emergent herbicides available. Some of the most common include glyphosate, imazapyr, and triclopyr. Be sure to read the labels carefully to choose the right product for your needs.
Selective Herbicide to Control, Kill And Get Rid of Spurge Plants
Spurge is a difficult weed to control because it can grow and spread quickly. The best way to get rid of spurge is to use a selective herbicide that will kill the weed without harming your lawn.
There are several herbicides on the market that will work to get rid of spurge. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions exactly. You may need to apply the herbicide more than once to completely kill the weed.
You can also try using a non-selective herbicide, but be careful not to damage your lawn in the process. If you have any other questions about how to get rid of spurge, feel free to ask your local nursery or contact a professional landscaper.
Manual Removal
The first step is to manually remove the spurge weed. This involves using a hoe or trowel to dig up the plant, making sure to get as much of the root as possible. If you have a small infestation, this may be all that’s needed to get rid of the problem.
However, if you have a larger infestation or the spurge weed is particularly stubborn, you may need to resort to chemical control measures.
Treatment
To get rid of spurge, you’ll need to use a combination of mechanical and chemical methods.
Mechanical control involves physically removing the plant from your garden. This can be done by hand-pulling, hoeing, or tilling. Be sure to remove as much of the root system as possible so that the plant doesn’t regrow.
Chemical control uses herbicides to kill the spurge plant. There are many different products available, so be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the directions. Apply the herbicide when the plant is actively growing for best results.[2]
Prevention
Prevention is better than cure.
The best way to get rid of spurge is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Pull out any young plants that you see and dispose of them properly. Keep your garden well-weeded, and mulch regularly to discourage weeds from taking root.
Spurge is a tough weed to kill once it’s established, so it’s important to be vigilant in your prevention efforts. With a little effort, you can keep this pesky weed out of your garden for good![2]
FAQ
Does vinegar kill spurge?
Yes, vinegar is an effective weed killer that can be used to kill spurge. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a herbicide that will kill most types of weeds. To use vinegar as a weedkiller, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the leaves of the spurge plant.
Vinegar is non-selective, so it will kill any plants that it comes into contact with. Be sure to only spray the spurge plant and avoid spraying any other plants that you don’t want to kill.
Vinegar is also biodegradable, so it won’t harm the environment if it’s used properly.
Will roundup for lawns kill spurge?
Yes, Roundup for Lawns is an effective weed killer that will kill spurge. You can either spot treat the weeds or use it as a preventative measure to keep them from coming back.
To spot treat, simply mix the Roundup for Lawns concentrate with water according to the package directions and pour it into a pump sprayer. Then, wet the leaves of the spurge plant until they’re dripping and let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely kill the plant.
If you want to use Roundup for Lawns as a preventative measure, mix it with water and sprinkle it around the perimeter of your lawn where Spurge is likely to grow. This will create a barrier that the weeds can’t cross.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to follow the package directions carefully and always wear gloves and protective clothing when handling Roundup for Lawns.
Should I spray Roundup before or after mowing?
Weed experts say that the best time to spray Roundup is after mowing. This gives the herbicide time to work on the weed without being diluted by the grass clippings. You should also make sure to wait at least 24 hours before mowing again.
How poisonous is spurge?
Spurge is not poisonous to humans or animals, but it can cause skin irritation.
Is spurge toxic to animals?
The short answer is no. Spurge does not produce any toxins that are harmful to animals or humans. However, some animals may have an allergic reaction to the sap of the plant. If you suspect your animal has come into contact with spurge, watch for signs of irritation such as redness, swelling, or excessive scratching. If you see any of these symptoms, wash the area with soap and water and call your veterinarian.
Spurge is not considered a food source for animals or humans, so there is no need to worry about it being poisonous if ingested. However, eating large quantities of any plant can cause gastrointestinal upset in both humans and animals. If you think your animal has eaten a large amount of spurge, watch for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.
Now that you know spurge is not toxic to animals, you may be wondering if it is safe to have around children. The answer is yes! Spurge is not known to cause any harm to children if they come into contact with it. However, as with any plant, it is always best to supervise children when they are playing outside in areas where spurge may be present. If you have any concerns about your child’s health after coming into contact with spurge, please call your pediatrician.
Useful Video: How to [GET RID of SPOTTED SPURGE WEEDS] and PROSTRATE SPURGE in Lawn
Conclusion
If you have spurge weeds in your garden, don’t despair! With a little knowledge and the right tools, you can get rid of them for good. Just remember to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for new growth.
Do you have any tips or tricks for getting rid of spurge weeds? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Spurge weed can be pesky, but with this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get rid of it! Stay tuned for more helpful gardening tips and advice. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/spotted-spurge-control.htm
- https://www.solutionsstores.com/spurge-control
- https://sodsolutions.com/weed-control/purging-your-spurge/
- https://myapplianceshub.com/spurge-weed/