What Spurge Looks Like
Spurge grows low and flat, spreading outward from a central point to form mats in the lawn. It has small oval leaves, thin stems that may look reddish or pink, and some types have a small dark spot on the leaf. When broken, the stems may release a white, milky sap.
Why It Spreads
Spurge thrives in hot weather and often appears in thin, dry, compacted, or stressed areas of the lawn. It spreads by seed and can grow quickly in open spaces where turf is weak. Bare soil, sidewalk edges, driveway edges, and low-mowed areas are common places to see spurge.
How to Prevent It
The best prevention is to keep the lawn thick enough to shade the soil and reduce open areas where spurge can germinate. Proper mowing height, consistent fertilization, deep watering, and repairing bare spots all help. A labeled spring pre-emergent may help reduce spurge pressure before it germinates.
Best timing: Spring before summer annual weeds germinate, plus ongoing lawn thickening through the growing season.
How to Control It
Spurge is easiest to control when plants are young and actively growing. Use a selective broadleaf weed control product labeled for spurge and for your specific lawn type. Large, mature mats may require more than one labeled application. Always read and follow the product label.
Best timing: Late spring through summer when spurge is young and actively growing.
Recommended Solution
Step 1: Confirm the weed is spurge by looking for flat, spreading mats with small oval leaves and possible reddish stems.
Step 2: Avoid breaking or spreading mature plants when they are full of seed.
Step 3: Choose a selective broadleaf weed control product labeled for spurge and your specific turfgrass.
Step 4: Treat when spurge is young, actively growing, and the lawn is not drought- or heat-stressed.
Step 5: Recheck the area after treatment. Mature spurge may need a second labeled application.
Step 6: Improve thin areas with proper mowing, watering, fertilizer, and lawn repair to reduce future germination.
