Knowledgebase
How can I get rid of these weeks #879025
Asked July 27, 2024, 3:42 PM EDT
Our yard is xeriscape, neighbors yard have lawn. These weeds are popping up next to the fence. The decomposed granite on our side is wet from their sprinklers . I have been pulling them up and getting the roots. Now there are too many and the small ones are fragile and I am not able to pull them up. What can I do to get rid of them in our yard? They pull up pretty easily when they are a little bigger but now there are so many and it’s backbreaking work. Any advise is appreciated.
Thank you,
Vicki T
Mesa County Colorado
Expert Response
It looks like you have spurges popping up (and maybe some purslane in the top left of photo #0365). Spurges can be challenging to manage because each plant can produce thousands of seeds and the seeds remain viable for decades. Many of our weedy spurges are annuals so the main strategy is to keep them from going to seed.
Some options include pulling (though it sounds like that is challenging now that many are germinating), using a post-emergence herbicide, like glyphosate, and/or next year, using a pre-emergent herbicide to keep the seeds from germinating. If you use an herbicide, be sure to read the label and apply accordingly. You could also add some more mulch in that area to try to reduce germination.
Here is some information on managing weeds:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/351.pdf
https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/weeds/w_spotted-spurge
