What is the Best Weedkiller for Spurge?

Spurge has blueish-green leaves.

Spurge is a creeping perennial that reproduces from seed and vegetative root buds. Its erect form tops out at 3 feet with bluish-green leaves that can reach 4 inches long. Spurge's extensive root system can grow 15 feet deep or more, making it extremely difficult to control.

Problems

Spurge robs soil nutrients, water, carbon dioxide and sunlight from desirable plants and grasses. This means that desirable plants may wither and die. In addition, spurge is extremely adaptable and produces seeds rapidly, often resulting in the quick takeover of lawns, fields and public spaces. Spurge serves as a home for some pests, including flea beetles.

Herbicides

Herbicides are chemicals designed to kill weeds. They can be selective or non-selective. Selective herbicides target a specific weed, whereas non-selective herbicides kill all plants in which they have contact. Furthermore, herbicides can be systemic or contact. Systemic herbicides kill spurge slowly, allowing flea beetles to survive. Contact herbicides kill spurge immediately, resulting in the death of flea beetles. Several herbicides are capable of killing spurge, including imazapic, dicamba and glyphosate. Application times and rates depend on the specific herbicide and the area it is being applied to.

Alternative Control

Spurge is extremely difficult to control without the use of herbicides. Spurge can withstand mowing, grazing and burning. Tilling is an option, as is hand-pulling or hoeing in areas where spurge growth is minimal. The best way to control spurge is to prevent it from getting out of hand in the first place. Prevent spurge by using weed-free seed-and-feed products, avoid spreading seeds by cleaning vehicles and other equipment before entering unaffected areas, and by using herbicides or other methods immediately.

Warning

When using herbicides, take steps to minimize drift, the spread of herbicides by the air to untreated areas. Avoid spraying on excessively humid or windy days, using a nozzle designed to reduce drift, and spray close to the soil. When applying herbicides near bodies of water, use an herbicide that's safe for aquatic use and be extra careful to avoid drift.

References

• University of Nevada: Managing Leafy Spurge; Tina Kadrma, et al.; 1994
• United States Department of Agriculture: Biological Control
• Colorado State University: Leafy Spurge; K.G. Beck; 2008
• North Dakota State University: Login Imazapic as a tool for leafy spurge management; Denise M. Markle, et al.
• North Dakota State University: Dicamba combinations for leafy spurge shoot control; M.A. Ferrell; et al.; 1987
• North Dakota State University: Leafy Spurge; Rodney G. Lym, et al; 2006