There are quite a few wild violet species in Maryland, some being non-native,but the most common is Viola sororia,  which is native. Violets provide caterpillar food for Fritillary butterflies, and when they bloom, they also support pollinators like bees. Given those ecosystem benefits, violets are welcomed in lawns by some gardeners, but if you consider them a weed and want to remove them, the safest method is to dig out the roots, since they can regrow if rhizome pieces are left behind. We don't recommend home remedies since they are not often science-based and studied. Some home remedies can cause harm to other things in the environment too, whereas an herbicide applied according to the label directions is efficient and safe since being rigorously tested. 

Any broadleaf weed control formulated for turf grass will work, but avoid applying the chemical Dicamba around the root zone of trees and shrubs, as it can harm their health. Pre-emergents don't work on them due to the rhizomatous roots. Other active ingredients in herbicides will be triclopyr and 2,4-D. Violet leaves have a waxy coating that repels herbicides, so repeat applications and possibly a spreader-sticker may be required. Herbicide active ingredients mentioned are dicamba. Always follow the pesticide label.

Violets prefer moist, part shade areas but are adaptable to some sun and well-drained soils as well. For turf, the best thing to do is encourage dense grass growth, fertilize appropriately, and mow high, 3-4 inches. (Violets adapt by growing low, so if you mow low that will encourage them to grow).

If you are competing in an area that grass doesn't prefer (less sun) and even too little light for a fine fescue turf type, then you should consider lawn alternatives that could potentially grow with the violets. 

We have numerous lawn improvement resources that can guide you on renovating your lawn. The best time to do so is the fall, though, when cooler nights and generally more rainfall will help seed germinate. So you may want to wait to treat the violets until you can overseed with a turf grass that will work for your lawn, according to the amount of sun it receives. 

If you have further questions about lawn repair and improvement, feel free to continue on this email thread.

Emily