Does the sight of Dichondra Micrantha fluttering in your lawn frustrate you too? Because if that’s the case, then we’re on the same page.
But what exactly are these green-whitish little plants? Let’s find out.
Dichondra is a 1-3 inches long broadleaf perennial and establishes roots at the joints. Its leaf’s shape is like that of a kidney or a quarter circle, while others seem to be twirling around their stalk. People around the world use Dichondra either as a ground cover or for decoration purposes. Nevertheless, there are always people around who don’t go with what others like, and the same is the case here. Most landowners can’t bear a Dichondra fostering and mushrooming in their lawn.
Luckily, Dichondra can be removed thoroughly and can be done so easily. There isn’t any permanent solution to get rid of Dichondra, and perhaps you might have to do everything all over again, but for getting rid of Dichondra, it’s worth it.
Below is a guide that explains all the steps you need to perform not to see Dichondra again.
Distinguishment
If you’re a person with sharp eyesight, then this step would be a piece of cake for you. As wrong identification and its treatment can do more damage than no treatment at all.
When looking for a Dichondra, search for low-lying, small, usually green or other times white leaves. They grow in places where the grass is not well-maintained. From the top angle, it looks like a crammed carpet and spreads fast.
Do not confuse the appearance of Dichondra to dollarweed. Though similar, but the latter can bear up to a variety of soils and temperatures and spread across the entire lawn, whereas the former keeps to certain dilapidated spots only.
Treatment
Once confirmed that the weed in your lawn is Dichondra, then gear up for the next step, i.e., removing it. There are two well-known methods of getting rid of Dichondra.
- Manual Elimination
- Herbicide
Manual Elimination
Manual elimination is not easy, but it is the preferred method as in this way, there are no chances of damaging your lawn. But this option is choosable only for the people who are either patient or have a small lawn.
Before getting on with the elimination process, remember to wear gloves and a dress covering full arms and legs whether the plant has sharp leaves or not. For your ease, water the mulch an hour before beginning the removal. This will soften the grass and quicken up your work.
Step 1: Choose the right time The best time to hand-pull Dichondra is after a good rain or a thorough watering. This softens the soil and makes it easier to remove the entire root system. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to avoid the harsh sun.
Step 2: Gather your tools To make hand-pulling more efficient, you’ll need a few simple tools:
- A sturdy pair of gloves to protect your hands from cuts and dirt
- A small hand trowel or weeding fork to help loosen the soil around the roots
- A bucket or container to collect the pulled Dichondra
Step 3: Identify the Dichondra plants Take a walk around your garden and identify the areas where Dichondra has taken over. Look for the characteristic kidney-shaped leaves and trailing stems, often found in lawns, flower beds, and other garden spaces.
Step 4: Loosen the soil Using your hand trowel or weeding fork, gently loosen the soil around the base of the Dichondra plant. This helps expose the roots and makes it easier to pull the plant out without breaking the roots.
Step 5: Grasp and pull With your gloves on, firmly grasp the base of the Dichondra plant close to the soil. Gently but firmly pull upward, taking care not to snap the plant. The goal is to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Step 6: Discard responsibly Place the pulled Dichondra plants in your bucket or container. Once you’ve finished, make sure to dispose of them properly, either by composting or bagging them for yard waste pick-up. Avoid tossing them back into the garden, as this can encourage regrowth.
Step 7: Monitor and maintain Regularly check your garden for any signs of Dichondra regrowth. If you spot new plants, hand-pull them as soon as possible to keep them from spreading. Consistent monitoring and maintenance are key to keeping your garden Dichondra-free.
Herbicide
For people with spacious lawns and no patience or time to deal with weeds manually, this is the solution to your problem. Some of the fast-acting, effective herbicides for Dichondra include Scotts, Ortho, etc.
I have already written about herbicides. You can read more by clicking on the link.
Step 1: Choose the right herbicide First things first, you’ll need to select an appropriate chemical herbicide to combat Dichondra. Look for a selective herbicide that specifically targets broadleaf weeds or a non-selective herbicide if you need to clear an entire area. Always read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage.
Step 2: Gather your supplies To apply the herbicide, you’ll need the following:
- Herbicide of choice
- A garden sprayer or a spray bottle for smaller areas
- Protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and long sleeves
- A calm, dry day with no rain expected for at least 24 hours
Step 3: Prepare the herbicide Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mix the herbicide with water (if required) in your garden sprayer or spray bottle. Ensure you have enough solution to cover the affected area.
Step 4: Apply the herbicide Don your protective gear and get ready to apply the herbicide. Spray the Dichondra plants evenly, making sure to coat the leaves thoroughly. Be cautious not to overspray, as this can harm nearby plants or grass.
Step 5: Monitor the results After applying the herbicide, keep an eye on the treated area. You should notice the Dichondra plants starting to wilt and die within a few days to a week. If you don’t see any progress, you may need to reapply the herbicide, but always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for repeat applications.
Step 6: Clean up and disposal Once the Dichondra plants are dead, carefully remove them from your garden and dispose of them responsibly. Clean your garden sprayer or spray bottle according to the manufacturer’s instructions and store the herbicide in a safe place, away from children and pets.
Step 7: Prevent regrowth To prevent future Dichondra invasions, consider applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring. This will help inhibit the growth of new plants. Additionally, maintain a healthy lawn or garden by regularly mowing, fertilizing, and watering, as a well-cared-for landscape is less likely to be overtaken by invasive plants.
Remember to wear protective clothing and masks. And breathe as little as possible around the herbicide to not become a victim of any respiratory problems.
Vinegar solution
A vinegar solution can be used as a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical herbicides.
- Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Spray the solution directly on the Dichondra leaves, being careful not to harm nearby plants.
- Reapply as necessary until the plants are dead, then remove them from the area.
FAQ
Is Dichondra a weed?
Yes, Dichondra is a perennial plant and tends to act as a weed in most lawns. Most people keep Dichondra in their garden as ground cover owing to its special characteristic of spreading everywhere like a dense mat. In some states, it is also known as Asian ponysfoot or kidney weed.
How deep are Dichondra roots?
A Dichondra's roots can go up to be 1-3 inches. They spread swiftly and foster like a turf carpet.
Is Dichondra poisonous to cats and dogs?
Dichondra is not poisonous if eaten, but your pet may undergo diarrhea or begin vomiting owing to the rough surface of the plant. A Dichondra can cause dermatitis if it comes in contact with skin. In such a case, immediately wash the area in contact gently, and to prevent further damage, remove the plant's sap.
Can Dichondra be grown indoors?
Yes, a Dichondra can thoroughly be grown indoors. It adds a factor of uniqueness to your home. Also, Dichondra usually thrives in moderate to dry environment. So, no matter how hot or cold, for Dichondra, it's not an issue.
Can Dichondra grow in full sun?
Yes. A Dichondra requires full sun to develop thoroughly. In fact, without full sun, the Dichondra won't fully bloom.
Can Dichondra grow in sand?
YES!! Dichondra is a sand-loving funny little plant and thrives rapidly in the sand.
How does Dichondra spread?
A Dichondra germinates by soaking sunlight all day long. If you cover the Dichondra, there are chances that its stem will not grow to its full extent or have some defects due to insufficient sunlight intake. For a Dichondra to grow, you just need to sow it in the soil and let it make contact with it.
Will Atrazine kill Dichondra?
If you have St. Augustine as your grass, Atrazine Weed Killer will prove to be absolutely effective in eliminating Dichondra from your lawn.
Will vinegar kill Dichondra?
Yes, vinegar can terminate Dichondra. But usage of a vinegar solution requires great caution as vinegar will kill other plants and grass that come in contact with it too. To avoid this, spray or pour vinegar directly upon the desired plant. And make sure not to let your grass encounter vinegar.
Conclusion
For some, Dichondra is a way to decorate their lawn, while for others, it’s a symbol of a nuisance. Dichondra is easy enough to get rid of but requires effort and patience. You can either remove it manually or use an herbicide.
However, please remember that you will have to repeat the entire eliminating process seasonally to behold no sight of Dichondra dancing in your garden.
