How to Get Rid of Wild Violet in Your Lawn

Wild violets can be a pesky problem for homeowners who take pride in their lawns. These pretty purple flowers may look nice, but they can quickly take over and choke out grass.

Getting rid of wild violets requires a mix of methods, including pulling them by hand, utilizing selective herbicides, and changing how you care for your lawn.

Don’t worry if wild violets have invaded your yard. There are ways to get rid of them and keep your lawn looking great. It takes some work, but with the right approach, you can say goodbye to these stubborn weeds.

What is Wild Violet?

Wild violet is a common lawn weed with pretty purple flowers. It can spread quickly and be hard to get rid of. Let’s look at how to spot wild violet and where it likes to grow.

Identifying Wild Violet

Wild violet has heart-shaped leaves that grow in clusters. The leaves are dark green and smooth. In spring, it produces small purple flowers that bloom close to the ground.

The flowers have five petals and can be light purple, dark purple, or white. Wild violet plants are usually 4-6 inches tall. Their leaves stay green all year in mild climates.

To tell wild violet apart from other weeds, look for:

• Heart-shaped leaves
• Low-growing habit
• Small purple flowers in spring

Growth Habit and Environment

Wild violet spreads fast through seeds and underground stems. It grows well in shady, moist areas of lawns. You’ll often find it under trees or in spots that don’t get much sun.

This weed likes rich, slightly acidic soil. It can live in full shade or part sun. Wild violet is tough and can survive in poor soil too.

Wild violet grows best in:

• Shady lawn areas
• Moist soil
• Cool weather

It’s active in spring and fall. The plants go dormant in hot summers. Wild violet can form thick patches that crowd out grass if left alone.

Preventive Measures

Keeping wild violets out of your lawn starts with good habits. A healthy lawn makes it harder for weeds to grow. Let’s look at some key ways to prevent wild violets.

Lawn Care Basics

Regular feedings help your grass grow thick and strong. Feed your lawn 2-4 times a year. This gives your grass the nutrients it needs to crowd out weeds like wild violets.

Water deeply but less often. This helps grass roots grow deep. Deep roots make your lawn more resistant to weeds.

Keep your lawn free of thatch. Thatch is dead grass that builds up between the soil and live grass. Too much thatch can weaken your lawn.

Test your soil pH every few years. Most grasses like a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adjust the pH if needed to keep your grass healthy.

Choosing the Right Grass

Pick grass types that grow well in your area. Local garden centers can help you choose. Native grasses often do best.

Consider your yard’s conditions. Some grasses like shade, others need full sun. Match the grass to your yard’s light levels.

Look for grass varieties that grow thick and dense. These help prevent weeds from taking root.

Cool-season grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass work well in many areas. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or zoysia are good for hotter climates.

Mix different types of grass seed. This creates a lawn that stays green longer and resists more pests and diseases.

Mowing Strategies

Mow at the right height for your grass type. Taller grass shades the soil and prevents weed seeds from sprouting.

Keep your mower blades sharp. Sharp blades make clean cuts. Clean cuts help your grass heal faster and stay healthier.

Don’t cut off more than 1/3 of the grass height at once. Cutting too short stresses the grass and can let weeds move in.

Change your mowing pattern each time. This prevents ruts and helps the grass grow upright.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn when possible. They break down and feed the soil. This natural fertilizer helps your grass stay strong.

Manual Control Techniques

Getting rid of wild violets in your lawn can be done by hand. These methods take time but are cheap and eco-friendly. They work best for small patches of violets.

Hand Pulling

Hand pulling is a simple way to remove wild violets. Put on thick gloves to protect your hands. Water the area to soften the soil. This makes pulling easier.

Grab each plant at its base. Pull straight up to get the whole root. If you leave part of the root, the plant may grow back.

Work slowly and carefully. Check that you’ve removed all parts of the plant. Put the pulled violets in a bag or bucket. Don’t leave them on the lawn, as they might re-root.

Tool-Assisted Removal

Using tools can make removing wild violets easier. A small trowel or dandelion weeder works well. These tools help dig out the whole root system.

Stick the tool into the soil next to the violet. Push it down at an angle under the plant. Lever the tool to lift the violet and its roots out of the ground.

A hoe can also work for larger areas. Scrape the hoe just under the soil surface to cut the roots. Rake up the loose plants afterwards.

Clean your tools after use. This stops violet seeds from spreading to other parts of your yard.

Chemical Control Options

Herbicides can be effective for controlling wild violets in lawns. There are different types to choose from, each with pros and cons.

Selective Herbicides

Selective herbicides target specific plants while leaving grass unharmed. For wild violets, look for products containing triclopyr or mecoprop. These work well on broadleaf weeds like violets.

Apply selective herbicides in spring or fall when violets are actively growing. You may need multiple applications for full control. Be patient, as results can take several weeks to show.

Some common selective herbicides for wild violets:

• Ortho Weed B Gon
• Bayer Advanced All-in-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer
• Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns

Broad-Spectrum Herbicides

Broad-spectrum herbicides kill most plants they contact. Use these carefully to avoid harming your grass. Glyphosate is a common broad-spectrum option.

To use safely:

1. Cover desirable plants with cardboard or plastic.
2. Carefully apply only to violet leaves.
3. Remove coverings after herbicide dries.

Broad-spectrum herbicides work faster than selective types. But they risk killing grass if not applied precisely.

Application Tips

For best results when applying herbicides:

• Water the area first to help chemicals stick to leaves.
• Apply on a calm, dry day when rain isn’t expected for 24 hours.
• Follow label instructions carefully for mixing and safety.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing.

Don’t mow for a few days before and after treatment. This gives violets more leaf surface to absorb the herbicide.

Regular lawn care helps prevent violets from returning. Feed your lawn 2-4 times yearly and mow at the proper height for your grass type.

Natural Remedies

Getting rid of wild violets in your lawn doesn’t always require harsh chemicals. There are several natural methods you can try at home. These options are safer for pets, children, and the environment.

Vinegar Solutions

White vinegar is a handy tool for battling wild violets. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap to help the mixture stick to the leaves.

Spray the solution directly on the violet plants on a sunny day. The acidity will burn the leaves. You may need to apply this treatment a few times.

Be careful not to spray other plants or grass. Vinegar can harm them too. It’s best to use this method for small patches of violets.

Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent herbicide. It stops seeds from sprouting but won’t harm existing plants. Spread it on your lawn in early spring before the violets start growing.

Apply 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Water it in lightly. Reapply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

This method works best for preventing new violets. It won’t get rid of established plants. Use it along with other treatments for the best results.

Soap-Based Products

Soap-based herbicides can be effective against wild violets. Look for products containing fatty acids or potassium salts. These are safer than chemical herbicides.

Spray the product directly on the violet leaves. Make sure to coat them completely. The soap breaks down the waxy coating on the leaves, causing them to dry out.

Apply on a dry, sunny day for best results. You may need to treat the violets several times. Be patient, as this method can take a while to work.

Always follow the product instructions carefully. Even natural remedies can harm other plants if used incorrectly.

Professional Assistance

Getting rid of wild violets can be tricky. Experts have the right tools and know-how to tackle this pesky weed effectively.

Hiring a Lawn Care Service

Lawn care services have pros who know how to deal with wild violets. They use special weed killers that work better than store-bought ones. These experts can spot wild violets early and stop them from spreading.

Lawn pros also know when to treat the weeds. They’ll come at the right time of year for the best results. Most will offer a plan to keep wild violets away for good.

Many services give free quotes. It’s smart to get a few and compare prices. Ask about their success rate with wild violets too.

Assessment and Treatment Plans

A good lawn service will check your yard first. They’ll look at how bad the violet problem is and what type of grass you have. This helps them make a plan just for your lawn.

The plan might include:

• Spot treatments for small areas
• Full lawn treatments for big problems
• Follow-up visits to catch new growth

They may suggest improving your soil or changing how you care for your lawn. This can help stop violets from coming back. Some plans take a few seasons to work fully, so be patient.

Pros can also teach you how to spot early signs of violets. This way, you can call them back if you see any new ones popping up.

Ongoing Maintenance

Keeping your lawn free of wild violets requires regular care and attention. These simple steps will help prevent wild violets from coming back and keep your grass healthy.

Fertilization Schedule

A strong, well-fed lawn can resist wild violet invasions. Apply fertilizer to your grass 3-4 times per year. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Spring: Feed your lawn in early spring as grass starts growing again. This gives it a boost to crowd out weeds.

Summer: Apply fertilizer in early summer to keep grass thick and healthy.

Fall: Give your lawn a final feeding in early fall. This helps grass recover from summer stress and prepare for winter.

Always follow package instructions for application rates. Too much fertilizer can harm grass and promote weed growth.

Watering Practices

Proper watering helps grass outcompete wild violets. Water deeply but less often to encourage deep root growth.

• Water 1-2 times per week, giving 1-1.5 inches of water each time
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
• Avoid light, frequent watering which promotes shallow roots

During hot, dry spells, water more often to prevent grass from going dormant. Dormant grass leaves bare patches where weeds can take hold.

Check soil moisture before watering. Stick a screwdriver into the ground – if it goes in easily, skip watering that day.

Monitoring for Recurrence

Stay vigilant to catch wild violet regrowth early. Walk your lawn weekly, looking for small violet leaves.

Spring and fall are key times to check, as violets grow most actively then. Look closely around lawn edges, shady spots, and areas that stay damp.

If you spot new violets, pull them right away. Removing young plants is much easier than tackling mature ones.

Consider spot-treating problem areas with an herbicide containing triclopyr. Always follow label instructions carefully.

Keep grass mowed to 3-4 inches tall. This height shades the soil, making it harder for violet seeds to sprout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wild violets can be tricky to remove from lawns. There are several methods to try, both natural and chemical. The best approach depends on your specific situation and preferences.