How to Get Rid of Oxalis

No, those aren’t four-leaf clovers in your yard. And, at least when it comes to your lawn, today isn’t your lucky day. That’s because you’ve got an outbreak of oxalis weed. Don’t worry! Your luck can change quickly, especially when you take matters into your own hands. While oxalis is a persistent weed, it’s not invulnerable. With the right tools and understanding, you can learn how to get rid of oxalis in a number of different ways.

What Is Oxalis, and Why Is It a Problem in Lawns?

Commonly known as wood sorrel or false shamrock, oxalis can easily be confused for a clover plant. Before flowering, it showcases clover-like leaves, but there is a difference between oxalis and clovers. Oxalis weeds have three heart-shaped leaflets that often fold down the middle or close up at night. In the spring, oxalis grows small, five-petaled flowers that can be yellow, pink, or white in color.

While these small blooms can be attractive, oxalis weeds are not a friend to your lawn. The weed grows rapidly in many different types of soil and steals nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass. The gritty and resilient nature of oxalis might be admirable if it weren’t trying to make its home on your lawn. Watch out for oxalis’s seed capsules, which can explode when touched, sending a cloud of seeds raining down on your lawn.

If you notice oxalis weed in your yard, then it’s time to take action and learn how to kill oxalis in your lawn.

What Kills Oxalis But Not Grass: Removing Oxalis Safely

Have you ever heard the phrase, “The cure is worse than the disease?” That can definitely be true if you end up killing your turfgrass and garden in your efforts to root out oxalis weed. Before you take any steps to get rid of oxalis in your lawn, make sure you choose a method that does more good than harm. Fortunately, if you want to know what kills oxalis but not grass, you have several good options.

Manual Hand-Pulling

If you only have a small outbreak of oxalis, you can hand-pull them from your lawn. This is especially effective if the oxalis is young and hasn’t had time to grow deep roots. Just make sure you get rid of the entire plant. If you leave any roots or seeds behind, the oxalis can regrow the next season.

Selective Herbicides

For larger outbreaks of oxalis weed, you’ll need to bring in the big guns. Specifically, post-emergent herbicides. Just make sure you choose a selective herbicide formulated for broadleaf weeds. The right selective herbicide should effectively kill oxalis without harming your grass.

Best Weed Killer for Oxalis in Lawn

Manuel hand-pulling and selective herbicides are both good options for kicking oxalis out of your lawn, but they aren’t your only choices. If you want to avoid putting chemicals on your lawn, consider using boiling water or a vinegar-based solution. Just be careful. These two methods will kill any plants, including your lawn and garden. Only pour boiling water directly on the oxalis and spray your vinegar solution carefully.

Here’s a quick recipe for a weed-killing natural vinegar formula:

• 1 gallon white vinegar
• 1 cup table salt
• 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap

If you have a total outbreak of oxalis and don’t need to save your turfgrass, one final option is to buy a non-selective herbicide. As the name implies, this herbicide doesn’t distinguish between weeds and turfgrass. It kills everything in its path. A non-selective herbicide might be the right call if you want to kill all your weeds and start your lawn over from scratch.

Long-Term Prevention: Keeping Oxalis Out of Your Lawn

Once you get your current oxalis outbreak under control, what’s next? Your next move is to switch from reaction to prevention. Here’s a little secret on how to get rid of oxalis. The absolute best way to prevent this weed from ever coming back is to take good care of your lawn.

Strong, healthy turfgrass will be better able to outcompete weeds so that they never get a foothold in your yard. What does good lawn care look like? That means regularly mowing your lawn, adding fertilizer several times a year, aerating, dethatching, and mulching as needed. You should also regularly assess your lawn. If you notice signs of disease or pests, take action before they weaken your grass. Weeds often thrive best in areas where turfgrass is unhealthy.

We also suggest using a pre-emergent herbicide in the late winter or early spring. As the name suggests, a pre-emergent herbicide works by preventing weed seeds from germinating. Remember, oxalis produces seed pods. Even if you get rid of the current weeds, you might have oxalis seeds just biding their time in your soil. Look for pre-emergent herbicides formulated for broadleaf weeds. Follow the instructions on your product when using it.

Protect Your Lawn from Oxalis with Expert Help

Now you know how to kill oxalis in your lawn. You can hand-pull small outbreaks, use a selective post-emergent herbicide for larger outbreaks, or even start with a clean slate using a non-selective herbicide.

The best way to stop oxalis weeds is to prevent them in the first place. That means putting in the effort to maintain your lawn. Not everyone has the time and ability to perform ongoing lawn care. That’s where we come in. At The Grounds Guys®, our local team can perform weed control services to get rid of oxalis and any other weeds in your lawn. Once we’ve killed the weeds, we can transition into ongoing lawn maintenance to keep your turfgrass and garden strong, healthy, and looking good all year round.

Request a free estimate today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. The Grounds Guys are not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact The Grounds Guys location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.