Question
Wild strawberries are threatening to take over my fescue lawn in NC. Suggestions on how to get rid of the plants would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
Good evening Bob:
The definition of a weed is any plant that is located in an area that you don't want it.
Unfortunately "Wild Strawberry" is not listed as a lawn weed in any of my past references. I believe we can consider your "wild strawberry" as a broadleaf weed and treat it as such.
For controlling broadleaf weeds you should review lawn care practices and make adjustments as needed to assure a good stand of grass. Sound lawn care practices should promote a healthy, vigorous turf able to prevent and compete with weed invasions. These practices include proper selection and establishment, fertilization, watering, mowing, thatch management, and related practices.
Pulling by hand is one option; be sure to get as much of the root system as possible. There are a number of broadleaf weed herbicides (weed killers) available for use on lawns. Only apply to actively growing weeds. Choices found in garden centers typically include 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid); mecoprop or MCPP (2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid); or dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid); with two and three-way combinations available.
Thoroughly read, understand, and follow all information on herbicide labels. There are general guidelines for using broadleaf herbicides on lawns. Avoid windy days, as these materials can damage many landscape and garden plants if they drift (spray droplets land off the lawn). Also avoid hot days (over 85 degrees F). It's best to have adequate soil moisture, but no rain for 24 hours after application. Don't mow for few days before and after application. Consider spot treating weeds rather than broadcasting weed killer over the entire area. Use caution on newly seeded areas; wait 4 mowings before treating a newly seeded lawn and wait 30 days before seeding an area treated with broadleaf herbicides. Refer to the label regarding any potential hazards when used on lawns over the root zone of trees (such as with dicamba).
Early to mid fall can be a good time to control perennial broadleaf weeds. Control may be good as weeds prepare for winter dormancy and lawns fill-in bare areas created by the weed dying readily in the cooler weather of fall. Spring and early summer applications may not provide as good of control as fall. In addition, warmer temperatures increase the chance of lawn injury. Regardless the time of the year, weeds need to be actively growing for herbicides to work.
There is another option for you. Your local Cooperative Extension should be able to help you. Take a sample weed in to them and ask them to identify and make their recommendation for control. The service should be free unless they would have to send the sample weed in to the college for identification and that is unlikely. They usually have Master Gardeners that are used for that purpose. Many people are unaware that this service is there and don't take advantage of it.
I hope I have been some help to you. Good luck.
Floyd McMahon