If oxalis is creeping into your lawn, then it’s important to act quickly. Oxalis, often referred to as yellow wood sorrel, spreads fast, and it’s difficult to get rid of. As with most weeds, the best way to approach oxalis is through prevention, but if they have already invaded your lawn, then you’ll need to take an aggressive approach. Contact us if you’re seeing yellow wood sorrel in your turf.
Yellow wood sorrel is a perennial weed that spreads by forcefully launching its seeds as much as 10 feet away from the plant. Animals, people and insects also help oxalis to spread by carrying the seeds to new areas. You’ll know you’re dealing with yellow wood sorrel from its pale green to purple leaves, which are heart shaped and feature a fold in the middle. When oxalis is getting too much sun exposure, it will fold up its leaves. It does the same thing at night.
Oxalis is a low-growing, creeping weed. Its stems have nodes which, if they contact soil, will 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 lawn problems, oxalis makes itself at home when it finds thin, weak grass. If you give it just a small patch of under performing turf, yellow wood sorrel will definitely take a mile. The good news is that this weed can be controlled.
Unlike weeds such as dandelions, which are virtually impossible to control by hand pulling, oxalis can be eradicated with 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 once the time is right. Young plants can also be treated with the right chemicals to keep them from producing seeds. Post-emergent herbicides may be successful in more 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.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to get rid of yellow wood sorrel from your Texas lawn, then give us a call. We’ll assess your situation and make recommendations for proceeding so that you can take your lawn back from oxalis. We offer services to all the communities in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.
