If oxalis is creeping into your lawn, it’s important to act quickly and contact a professional weed control service to help you tackle this stubborn weed before it spreads. Oxalis, often referred to as yellow wood sorrel, spreads fast and is difficult to get rid of. As with most weeds, the best way to approach oxalis is to use prevention, but if it has already invaded your lawn, you’ll need to take an aggressive approach. Contact us if you’re seeing yellow wood sorrel in your turf.
How Yellow Wood Sorrel Spreads & How to Identify It
Yellow wood sorrel is a perennial weed that spreads by forcefully launching its seeds as far as 10 feet from the plant. Animals, people and insects also help oxalis spread by carrying the seeds to new areas. You’ll know you’re dealing with yellow wood sorrel by its heart-shaped pale green to purple leaves that feature a fold in the middle. When oxalis gets too much sun exposure, it simply folds up its leaves, and it does the same thing at night. As one of the worst weeds in North Texas, a targeted approach is necessary to combat oxalis and prevent it from taking over your entire lawn.
Why Oxalis Takes Over Lawns & How to Stop It From Spreading
Oxalis is a low-growing, creeping weed. Its stems have nodes that, if they contact soil, form new roots and stems. Wood sorrel can do well in either full sun or shade, as long as it gets enough water. As with other problem-causing weeds, oxalis makes itself at home in thin, weak grass. If you give it even a small patch of underperforming turf, yellow wood sorrel will turn an inch into a mile. The good news is that this weed can be controlled.
Why Early Intervention Is Key to Controlling Oxalis
Unlike weeds such as dandelions, which are virtually impossible to control by hand-pulling, oxalis can be eradicated by hand-pulling. Of course, it’s best to do this as early in the weed’s life cycle as possible, as even the slightest touch can send dozens of seeds flying when the time is right. Young plants can also be treated with herbicides to keep them from producing seeds.
Post-emergent herbicides may be more effective on mature plants. However, you may still need to consider how you’ll keep this year’s seeds from germinating next year. A pre-emergent herbicide may be the answer. Successful oxalis control requires a combination of post-emergent and pre-emergent treatments to eliminate mature plants and prevent future growth.
Ready to Reclaim Your North Texas Lawn From Oxalis?
If you’re interested in learning more about how to get rid of yellow wood sorrel from your Texas lawn, give us a call. We’ll assess your situation and recommend the next steps to help you take your lawn back from oxalis. Give us a call at (817) 684-4044 or request a free lawn care quote today.
