Dichondra Control: How To Get Rid of Dichondra

Dichondra is a broadleaf perennial which spreads via creeping stems that root at the nodes. It forms mats between 1½ to 3 inches tall. Dichondra is normally kidney-shaped to nearly circular leaves which grow alternate to each other, sometimes appearing whorled on the stems. They contain white to greenish small flowers which are borne in clusters in the leaf axils below the level of the leaf.

Dichondra is cultivated as a ground cover in some states and also is seen as a desirable or decorative type of grass in some areas of the US. However, for most homeowners, dichondra's tendency to spread and smother other plants in lawns and gardens is unwanted.

If you have been frustrated with the sight of dichondra on your lawn, our DIY treatment guide can help. The guide below was compiled by our lawn care experts and will show you how to properly kill dichondra and remove it from your lawn for good.

Identification

Before carrying out a treatment program, you will need to first be certain that you are dealing with Dichondra and not some other weed. Careless identification can lead to using the wrong treatment methods which can be a waste of time and money. Below we have shared traits so you know what Dichondra looks like for easy identification.

• Dichondra grows between 1 to 3 inches high and looks almost like a spade and grows up in bunches.
• Dichondra can often be mistaken to be dollarweed because of their similar appearance. The round leaves grow parallel to the soil and are seen growing in groups much like dollarweed. Dichondra, though, is smaller and prefers shady moist areas of the lawn.
• On the other hand, dollarweed can tolerate a wide variety of soils, temperatures and water conditions and will populate the entire lawn. Dichondra is usually isolated to a few small preferred spots in the lawn where it is thin and not well maintained.

Use the description above and the images to help you to properly identify dichondra and differentiate it from other weeds. If you are having trouble, contact us with an image of the plant you are encountering and we will help you correctly ID the plant as well as offer treatment suggestions.

Inspection

Once you have confirmed that you are dealing with Dichondra, you can then move on to inspection. During this phase, you will locate areas where Dichondra is thriving and observe the conditions that are allowing it to thrive. This information will help you in knowing where to focus your herbicide application.

Where to Inspect

Dichondra thrives on lawns and comes up in little bunches and can spread via tubers and can easily start popping up everywhere and invade and take over a whole yard. Dichondra tends to thrive in lawns that have spotty turf or are weak or thinning in certain areas. Hence, the presence of dichondra may be a sign you are not giving your lawn enough TLC.

What to Look For

It's distinguishing traits are the kidney-shaped to nearly circular leaves which grow opposite each other, sometimes appearing whorled on the stems. The white to greenish small flowers develop in clusters in the leaf axils below the level of the leaf.

Treatment

When applying herbicides be sure to wear protective clothing or safety equipment that completely covers your arms and legs, as well as gloves, socks, and shoes. Avoid inhaling the spray or getting it in your eyes or mouth.

To get rid of dichondra that is appearing on your lawn, it is best to use a quality herbicide like Celsius WG in the late spring when the weeds are younger and smaller. Herbicides are less effective the older and more mature the weed gets.

Step 1: Mix and Apply Celsius WG

Measure the square footage of the treatment area to determine how much Celsius WG you will need. Celsius WG should be mixed with a gallon of water at the rate of 0.085 oz. per 1,000 square feet. Mixing Celsius WG with a surfactant like Alligare 90 will help the product to stick better to the Dichondra and make the herbicide work more effectively.

For example, if you have a 2,000 sq. ft. area to treat, you will need to mix 0.17 fl. oz. in 2 gallons of water. Once you have made your measurements and calculated how much Celsius WG you need, mix the product and surfactant with the appropriate amount water in a handheld or backpack sprayer. Shake the sprayer to ensure the solution is well-mixed and then you're ready to spray.

When applying, change the nozzle setting to a fan nozzle so it will spray a fine mist on the dichondra and get an even coating on the weed.

Step 2: Reapply As Needed

If a second application is needed, apply the herbicide in spot treatments. Repeated applications of Celsius WG should be spaced according to label directions (normally every 2 to 4 weeks after the first application). Be careful applying in the heat and just spot treat the area so you don't burn your grass.

Prevention

After you have eliminated the Dichondra, you don't want it to pop up and make a return. Dichondra thrives in thinning turf that isn't getting sufficient nutrition. Here are some preventative measures to take to keep Dichondra away.

• The best defense against dichondra making a comeback is promoting a thick lawn that is well fertilized and maintained and moisture issues are addressed.
• Implement proper cultural lawn care maintenance practices such as infrequent watering (1 to 1.5 inches once a week), mowing high (3 to 4 inches in height) and fertilizing will go a long way and keeping your lawn strong enough to withstand dichondra and other invasive weeds during the growing season.

Key Takeaways

What is Dichondra?

• Dichondra is a plant that has kidney-shaped leaves and can grow and cover a large area in very little time if there is no intervention to stop it.

How To Get Rid of Dichondra

• Our top recommendation for treating dichondra is Celsius WG Herbicide. Make a spot treatment of Celsius WG to the areas where Dichondra is thriving and reapply as needed 2 to 4 weeks later.

Preventing Dichondra Reemergence

• By maintaining a regular lawn care schedule and promoting a lush green nutrient-rich turf, dichondra will have a hard time re-emerging on your lawn.