Buttonweed Control: How to Get Rid of Buttonweed

Buttonweed is one of the leading weeds which invade lawns in the Southern part of the U.S. and can creep and spread onto lawns in a very short period of time. Buttonweed is a warm-season perennial weed that begins growing in the spring and grows through the summer. By the time fall arrives, the thick matting growth from buttonweed and their little white flowers can actually crowd out lawn grass in patches where it grows.

Buttonweed is a source of frustration for even the most seasoned lawn maintainers because it cannot be easily controlled by most lawn weed killers you would find at your local garden center or big-box store. It is one of the most difficult broadleaf lawn weeds to keep in check. For pesky persistent weeds such as this, it would be wise to use professional-grade herbicides we carry at Solutions Pest and Lawn.

Our step-by-step DIY guide will show you exactly what you need to kill Buttonweed and clear it from your yard quickly and affordably.

Identification

Buttonweed has a sprawling, wide-branched growth habitat. The plants leaves are purplish-green in color and grow opposite one another. The leaves are connected across the stem by a membrane. Their flowers are star-shaped and white with four petals that bloom in the summer between June to August.

Use the above description and image to help you in properly identifying buttonweed. If you are having trouble, you can always contact us and our lawn care experts will help to correctly ID your weed growth and suggest treatment options.

Inspection

Once you have identified the invasive plant to be Buttonweed, proceed with an inspection to find out where Buttonweed is concentrated on the landscape and how big of an invasion there is.

Where to Inspect

Chances are, if you have Buttonweed, they will be quite clear to see on your lawn and will stand out among your desired grass and vegetation. Buttonweed is a creeping spreading perennial weed that can cover large areas over a short period of time.

Buttonweed not only produces seed but it also spreads through root systems called rhizomes. It can also spread if you mow the lawn and don't bag your clippings because it can re-establish and replant itself.

What to Look For

You should be looking for Buttonweed plants that come in the form of branch stems which are usually hairy and leaf blades which dark green on the top side and a lighter green on the bottom.

Treatment

Before using any herbicide product, make sure you first have on the proper PPE for safety (gloves, glasses, mask).

Hand pulling Buttonweed is not usually effective so after the area has been surveyed you can then move on to using herbicides. Broadleaf weed killer such as MSM Turf Herbicide which is an economical option that is focused on targeting broadleaf weeds like Buttonweed.

Step 1 - Mix and Apply MSM Turf Herbicide

MSM Turf is our go-to product for treating Buttonweed due to its low cost and ease of use. Apply MSM Turf between 0.5 to 1 fl. oz. of product per acre. Adding a surfactant to the MSM Turf mixture such as Nanotek Surfactant can enhance the effectiveness of the MSM Turf.

Calculate the square footage of your yard by measuring (in feet) and multiplying the area length and width (length x width = square footage) and then input the appropriate amount of MSM Turf in a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer. The rate suggested is 1 oz. to 100 gallons of water covering an acre. For small residential applications, reduce the rate to 0.01 oz. per 1 gallon of water to treat 1,000 sq. ft.

For example, if you have a 3,000 sq. ft. area to treat, you would need 0.03 oz. of MSM Turf in 3 gallons of water to cover the area. Apply the MSM Turf solution to the Buttonweed plants on a fan tip nozzle spray setting to spray a fine mist that will evenly coat the weed. Noticeable results occur in 1 to 3 weeks.

Make sure to spot spray rather than do a broadcast application of your entire yard. It's best to apply products when it is under 85 degrees as temperatures higher than 85 degrees may do damage to the grass you wish to keep.

Do expect some yellowing of your grass after application. Do not be alarmed by it as it will be temporary and your grass will soon be able to pop back out of it.

Step 2 - Follow Up Application

Buttonweed can be difficult to totally control because of its extensive root system so repeated applications may be necessary to kill it off completely. Check back in 7 to 10 days and reapply when 4 to 6 weeks have passed after first application.

Prevention

The best defense against Buttonweed is a thick lush lawn that is properly maintained and well-fed. A thick dense lawn that is well-fertilized will be better able to choke out broadleaf plantain weeds and not allow them room to establish.

Mow at a higher height (3 to 4 inches) to discourage growth of the Buttonweed. Water your grass deeply yet infrequently at least once a week at 1 to 1.5 inches of water. Keep a regular fertilization schedule so your lawn doesn't have any deficiencies in nutrients so it can better combat invasive weeds.

Key Takeaways

• Buttonweed is a perennial broadleaf weed is hard to control because it rapidly produces seeds but it also spreads through underground root systems called rhizomes.
• We recommend MSM Turf herbicide to treat Buttonweed. This product works systemically and will kill the plant all the way down to the root.
• To prevent Buttonweed, it is recommended to mow at a higher height and ensure your grass is nutrient-rich and healthy so Buttonweed won't have a chance to establish.