QuestionHow can i eradicate the wild violet weed?
AnswerHi Thomas Armstrong,
ABOUT WEEDY PLANTS CALLED "WILD VIOLETS" (VIOLAS):
Wild or Woodland Violets or violet-like plants called "Johnny-Jump-Ups" can be a difficult weed to eradicate. The wild violas have a small tuberous-rhizome rootlet structure which seems to be able to survive all surface attacks.
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Some important key facts to remember for eradicating Wild Violas is this: Attack the plants during the cool season when they are most actively growing and don't give up...
several treatments are often required.
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ABOUT HERBICIDE TREATMENTS:
Use a PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE regularly and as directed with the product and weeds will never have a start. This is THE most efficient method to be weed-free. Note that you must suspend the use of this type of chemical whenever you re-seed with a wanted grass seed so plan ahead.
Otherwise, attack weeds as they appear and while they are young with an arsenal of POST-EMERGENT chemicals you can spot-spray as needed. Your local garden or farm supply stores should have all the chemicals and equipment you need to battle weeds.
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Some examples of Pre-Emergent Chemicals:
Dacthal
Balan
Team= Balan + Treflan
Betasan
Tupersan (siduron) ....May be used with wanted grass seeds present
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STRATEGIES FOR ERADICATION:
HORTICULTURAL METHODS of PREVENTION:
Keep your turf grass thick and prevent the weed-plants from flowering and producing seeds and you can greatly decrease weed populations. Sunny, warm and dry conditions will kill wild violets.
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POST-EMERGENT CHEMICAL CONTROL:
Although control is difficult, existing violets can be treated with post emergence broad leaf herbicides in the period from mid spring to early summer and/or mid to late fall. Regardless of the time, make sure the weeds are actively growing. Try products containing DICAMBA.
Three-way broad leaf herbicide combinations (one product containing all three herbicides) that include 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid); MECOPROP or MCPP (2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid); and DICAMBA (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) may provide the best control. Several of these three-way herbicides are available under brand/trade names ('Trimec', 'Three Way Lawn Weed Killer', etc.); check product labels for these active ingredients.
Read and follow all label directions. Herbicides containing 2,4-DP or triclopyr may also be effective. For violets, broadleaf herbicides containing triclopyr are suggested.
These chemicals may be found at your local lawn and garden center or farm store.
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Post-Emergent Chemicals commonly used (Several treatments required when plants are actively growing):
(1). 2,4-D ["Weed-B-Gone"]
(2). chlorsulfuron*
(3). clopyralid
(4) dicamba
(5). MCPA
(6). triclopyr
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NON-SELECTIVE POST-EMERGENT CHEMICAL CONTROL:
Where the weed is dense in the lawn, ROUND-UP (Glyphosphate) will kill it.
Use this carefully because it will kill almost any non-woody green plant it touches. If turf grasses are sprayed you will end up with a bare area to re-seed/sod. Sometimes you can place a small amount of ROUND-UP in a container and use a small brush to dab the individual persistent weeds and this will do the trick. Of course this is not practical with large numbers of scattered weed plants.
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This great website enables you to read product labels before you buy a product:
READ LABELS BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A CHEMICAL:
http://www.greenbook.net/free.asp
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Look for "wild violet or Johnny-Jump-ups" OR the botanical names "Viola, vilaceae" listed on the product label for descriptions of what the product controls.
These above mentioned weed-killers are the same chemicals the professional weed-control technicians use. All pesticide chemicals should be used with caution and concern. Read and follow the product directions for best results.
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With a good fertile-loamy well draining top-soil, best quality hybrid grass type(s), 1-3 inches of water per week, plenty of sun-light, ...almost anyone can have an excellent lawn with a minimum maintenance effort.
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I Hope this has answered your question(s)!
Visit my Lawn & Gardens webpage for more Lawn and Garden Tips, Facts and Links:
http://hometown.aol.com/eilatlog/lawnol.html
Your Questions and Comments are welcome at ALLEXPERTS.com
___ Jim Gibbs,
Microbiologist/Botanist
