Dollar weed, with its shiny, round leaves resembling tiny lily pads, can quickly turn your lush lawn into a patchy eyesore. Also known as pennywort, this aggressive weed thrives in moist conditions, spreading rapidly and crowding out grass. For homeowners aiming for a pristine yard, mastering how to get rid of dollar weed in lawn is essential to restore beauty and health to your turf. Its shallow roots and prolific growth make it a stubborn foe, but with the right approach, you can eliminate dollar weed and prevent its return. This guide dives into identifying dollar weed, understanding its causes, exploring removal methods, and implementing prevention strategies. Whether you prefer natural ways to get rid of dollar weed or fast-acting herbicides, we’ve got you covered with practical, SEO-optimized solutions for lawn weed control for dollar weed.
What is Dollar Weed?
Dollar weed (Hydrocotyle spp.), commonly called pennywort, is a low-growing, perennial broadleaf weed that thrives in warm, wet climates. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it’s a frequent nuisance in lawns across the southeastern United States, Australia, and other humid areas. Named for its round, coin-shaped leaves, dollar weed spreads via creeping stems, seeds, and underground rhizomes, making it challenging to eradicate.
Key Characteristics:
- Leaves: Bright green, glossy, round leaves (1–2 inches wide) with scalloped edges, resembling miniature lily pads.
- Flowers: Small, star-shaped white or greenish flowers in umbrella-like clusters (umbels), blooming in summer.
- Growth Habit: Creeping stems (stolons) and rhizomes form dense mats, rooting at nodes to spread across lawns.
- Root System: Shallow, fibrous roots with rhizomes that regenerate if not fully removed.
While dollar weed is sometimes used as ground cover in landscaping, its aggressive spread makes it undesirable in lawns where uniform grass is the goal.
How to Identify Dollar Weed in Lawn
Correctly identifying dollar weed ensures you target the right plant and avoid wasting time on look-alikes like dichondra or creeping Charlie. Here’s how to spot dollar weed in your lawn:
- Leaves: Look for glossy, round leaves with scalloped edges, attached to long, thin stalks arising from the plant’s center. Leaves often have a central vein pattern.
- Growth Pattern: Forms low, dense mats that spread outward, often in wet or shady areas. It can choke out grass, creating circular patches.
- Flowers: Small, white, umbrella-shaped flower clusters appear in summer, though not all plants flower.
- Location: Thrives in moist, poorly drained soils, especially in lawns with overwatering or low spots.
Pro Tip: Unlike dichondra, which has kidney-shaped leaves and no central stalk, dollar weed’s leaves are perfectly round and attached to a petiole. Check damp areas of your lawn in spring or summer for dollar weed’s telltale patches.
Causes of Dollar Weed Growth in Lawns
Dollar weed flourishes in specific conditions that give it an edge over grass. Understanding these causes helps you address the root of the problem:
- Excess Moisture: Dollar weed loves wet, poorly drained soils, common in overwatered lawns or areas with heavy rainfall.
- Compacted Soil: Hard soil restricts grass growth, allowing dollar weed’s shallow roots to dominate.
- Low Mowing Heights: Cutting grass too short weakens it, creating openings for dollar weed to spread.
- Poor Drainage: Low spots or clay-heavy soils trap water, creating ideal conditions for dollar weed.
- Sparse Grass: Thin or patchy lawns from neglect, shade, or nutrient deficiencies invite dollar weed invasion.
By correcting these conditions, you can reduce dollar weed’s foothold and enhance lawn maintenance after dollar weed treatment.
How to Get Rid of Dollar Weed in Lawn
Eliminating dollar weed requires targeting its creeping stems, rhizomes, and seeds. Below are three effective methods—manual removal, organic solutions, and chemical herbicides—to suit different preferences, including natural ways to kill dollar weed and faster chemical options.
Manual Removal
Hand-pulling or digging dollar weed is eco-friendly and effective for small infestations or those prioritizing organic methods to remove dollar weed.
- Tools Needed: Garden trowel, weeding fork, or a specialized weed puller (e.g., Fiskars Stand-Up Weeder).
- Steps:
- Water the lawn lightly to loosen soil, making roots easier to extract.
- Use a tool to dig around the plant, targeting the central root and any rhizomes or stolons.
- Pull gently to remove the entire plant, ensuring no roots remain.
- Dispose of weeds in a sealed bag to prevent rerooting, and reseed bare spots with grass.
- Pros: No chemicals, environmentally safe, immediate results.
- Cons: Labor-intensive; missed rhizomes can lead to regrowth.
Tip: Remove dollar weed before it flowers to prevent seed spread. Regular checks are key for controlling dollar weed in lawn naturally.
Organic Solutions
For those seeking natural ways to get rid of dollar weed, these methods are safe for pets, kids, and the environment:
- Horticultural Vinegar: Mix 20% acetic acid vinegar with a drop of dish soap. Spray directly on dollar weed leaves on a sunny day to burn foliage. Household vinegar (5%) works for young plants but may need repeat applications.
- Corn Gluten Meal: Apply 10–20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft in early spring as a pre-emergent to suppress dollar weed seed germination. It also fertilizes grass, strengthening your lawn.
- Mulching/Smothering: Cover dollar weed patches with landscape fabric, cardboard, or heavy mulch for 4–6 weeks to block sunlight and starve the plant.
- Manual Scalping: In severe cases, remove the top layer of infested sod, then reseed with grass suited to your region.
Pros: Eco-friendly, supports organic methods to remove dollar weed.
Cons: May require multiple treatments; less effective on established plants.
Chemical Herbicides
For large infestations or persistent dollar weed, chemical herbicides offer quick, effective control. Here’s how to choose the best herbicide for dollar weed:
- Selective Herbicides: Products with 2,4-D, dicamba, or fluroxypyr (e.g., Ortho WeedClear, SpeedZone) target broadleaf weeds like dollar weed without killing grass. Apply evenly with a pump sprayer.
- Non-Selective Herbicides: Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup) kills all plants, so use it for spot treatments in non-lawn areas like driveways. Re-seed after 7–10 days.
- Application Tips:
- Apply in spring or early summer when dollar weed is actively growing.
- Follow label instructions to avoid overuse or environmental harm.
- Avoid windy days to prevent drift to desirable plants.
- Pros: Fast, effective for widespread infestations.
- Cons: Can harm pollinators or nearby plants if misapplied; use cautiously.
Best Time of Year to Remove Dollar Weed
Timing is critical for effective dollar weed control. The best seasons are:
- Spring: Dollar weed is young and actively growing, making it vulnerable to manual removal, vinegar sprays, or herbicides. Treat before flowering to prevent seed spread.
- Early Summer: Warm temperatures and active growth enhance herbicide absorption. Avoid treating during extreme heat, as stressed plants respond poorly.
- Fall: A secondary window for spot treatments, as dollar weed prepares for dormancy but still absorbs chemicals effectively.
Avoid removal during peak summer heat or winter, when dollar weed may be dormant and less responsive. Consistent lawn maintenance after dollar weed treatment prevents regrowth.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Dollar Weed Regrowth
Once you’ve eliminated dollar weed, prevent its return with these strategies for controlling dollar weed in lawn naturally:
- Improve Drainage: Fix low spots, install French drains, or aerate clay-heavy soils to reduce moisture buildup, dollar weed’s favorite condition.
- Mow High: Set your mower to 3–4 inches to promote dense grass growth, shading out dollar weed seedlings.
- Water Wisely: Provide 1 inch of water weekly, avoiding overwatering that encourages dollar weed. Water early in the day to allow soil to dry.
- Fertilize Regularly: Use a balanced lawn fertilizer (e.g., 16-4-8 NPK) in spring and fall to strengthen grass, reducing dollar weed’s competitive edge.
- Overseed Thin Areas: Plant moisture-tolerant grass varieties (e.g., St. Augustine, zoysia) in wet regions to fill gaps and outcompete dollar weed.
- Apply Pre-Emergents: Use corn gluten meal or chemical pre-emergents (e.g., prodiamine) in early spring to block dollar weed seed germination.
Conclusion
Mastering how to get rid of dollar weed in lawn empowers you to reclaim a lush, uniform lawn free from this pesky weed. Whether you opt for manual pulling, organic methods to remove dollar weed like vinegar or corn gluten meal, or the best herbicide for dollar weed like 2,4-D-based products, a strategic approach ensures success. Pair removal with prevention—improving drainage, mowing high, and fertilizing regularly—to keep dollar weed gone for good. Start implementing these tips today, and enjoy a healthier, greener lawn all season long!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dollar Weed
What kills dollar weed?
Manual removal, organic solutions like horticultural vinegar or corn gluten meal, and selective herbicides with 2,4-D, dicamba, or fluroxypyr effectively kill dollar weed. Combining methods ensures thorough lawn weed control for dollar weed.
Will dollar weed go away on its own?
No, dollar weed persists without intervention due to its creeping stems, rhizomes, and seed production. It thrives in moist conditions, outcompeting grass unless actively controlled.
Is dollar weed dangerous to pets?
Dollar weed is generally non-toxic to pets, but consuming large amounts may cause mild digestive issues. Monitor pets and consult a vet if you notice unusual behavior.
Can dollar weed damage my lawn mower?
Dollar weed doesn’t typically harm mowers, but dense mats can clog blades or spread rhizomes, worsening the infestation. Mow high (3–4 inches) and clean the mower deck after use.
Should I call a professional for dollar weed removal?
DIY methods work for small infestations. For large or persistent dollar weed problems, a professional lawn service can assess soil conditions, apply targeted treatments, and recommend long-term lawn maintenance after dollar weed treatment.