What Kills Spurge But Not Grass? A Complete Guide to Safe Weed Removal

What Kills Spurge But Not Grass? A Complete Guide to Safe Weed Removal

Spurge is one of the most stubborn weeds to deal with in lawns across Texas and other warm climates. It spreads rapidly, thrives in poor soil, and can quickly overtake even the healthiest turf if left untreated. But while killing spurge is important, no one wants to sacrifice their lush green lawn in the process.

If you're asking what kills spurge but not grass, you're not alone. Homeowners across the region are looking for effective, safe, and lawn-friendly methods to eliminate spurge without damaging their turf.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to get rid of spurge, the best herbicides that kill spurge but protect grass, and how to prevent it from coming back.

What Is Spurge and Why Is It a Problem?

Spurge is a fast-spreading, low-growing broadleaf weed commonly found in lawns, flower beds, and sidewalks. There are several types — including spotted spurge and prostrate spurge — but they all share similar characteristics:

• Grows close to the ground in a spreading mat
  
  

• Produces small, oval leaves with reddish stems
  
  

• Releases a milky sap when broken
  
  

• Thrives in compacted or poor soil
  
  

• Germinates in warm weather (late spring to early fall)
  
  

Left untreated, spurge can choke out grass, deplete soil nutrients, and create unsightly brown patches across your yard.

How to Get Rid of Spurge Without Killing Your Lawn

The good news is that there are several proven ways to kill spurge, not grass. The key is choosing the right herbicide and timing your application correctly.

✅ 1. Use a Selective Post-Emergent Herbicide

To treat spurge after it has already emerged, use a selective post-emergent broadleaf herbicide. These products target broadleaf weeds like spurge without harming common turfgrass varieties such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia.

Look for products containing:

• 2,4-D
  
  

• Dicamba
  
  

• MCPP (Mecoprop)
  
  

• Carfentrazone
  
  

These ingredients are specifically designed to attack weeds while leaving your grass untouched — perfect for those wondering what kills spurge but not grass.

Pro Tip: Apply on a warm, dry day with little wind. Avoid mowing right before or after application to allow the herbicide to fully penetrate the weed.

✅ 2. Spot-Treat With a Ready-to-Use Spray

If spurge is scattered throughout your lawn, consider a ready-to-use spray with a precision nozzle. Spot-treating individual weeds can help reduce herbicide use while minimizing impact on surrounding turf.

Make sure to follow label directions closely to avoid overapplication.

✅ 3. Use a Pre-Emergent Herbicide in Early Spring

If you want to stop spurge before it starts, use a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring when soil temperatures reach 55°F. These products prevent weed seeds from germinating and are especially useful in areas where spurge reappears annually.

Look for pre-emergents with:

• Isoxaben
  
  

• Prodiamine
  
  

• Dithiopyr
  
  

This step is crucial for long-term prevention and a key part of any strategy for how to get rid of spurge effectively.

Natural Ways to Kill Spurge (Caution Advised)

For those seeking organic methods, there are a few options — though they may not always kill spurge, not grass effectively:

🔥 Boiling Water or Vinegar

Pouring boiling water or using horticultural vinegar will kill spurge — and your grass. These are non-selective methods and best reserved for driveways or cracks in sidewalks.

🧴 Manual Removal

Pulling spurge by hand can be effective in small areas, but it's important to remove the entire root system. Wear gloves and dispose of the weed in the trash — not your compost pile.

How to Prevent Spurge From Coming Back

After you’ve successfully removed the weed, follow these steps to keep your lawn spurge-free:

✅ 1. Mow High and Regularly

Spurge thrives in thin or scalped turf. Mowing at the proper height (depending on your grass type) helps shade out weed seeds and prevent germination.

✅ 2. Fertilize Properly

A thick, well-fed lawn naturally chokes out weeds. Follow a lawn fertilization schedule tailored to your turf type and local climate.

✅ 3. Water Deeply and Infrequently

Frequent, shallow watering promotes weed growth. Instead, water deeply 1–2 times per week to encourage deep root growth in your grass.

✅ 4. Use Mulch in Beds

In flower beds and garden areas, mulch provides a physical barrier that prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds like spurge.

✅ 5. Apply Pre-Emergents in Spring and Fall

Consistent use of pre-emergent herbicides will drastically reduce spurge infestations over time.

Lawn-Friendly Weed Control with Ryno Lawn Care

At Ryno Lawn Care, we understand how frustrating weeds like spurge can be. That’s why we offer professional weed control programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to your specific lawn.

Our services include:

• Selective herbicide treatments
  
  

• Pre-emergent applications
  
  

• Lawn fertilization and aeration
  
  

• Customized maintenance plans
  
  

If you’re unsure how to get rid of spurge or want to make sure you use the right product to kill spurge, not grass, let our experienced technicians take care of it for you.

Final Thoughts

Spurge may be a tough opponent, but with the right strategy, you can reclaim your lawn. The most important thing to remember is timing and product selection. Use a selective post-emergent herbicide to kill visible weeds and apply a pre-emergent in early spring to stop new growth before it starts.

Still asking yourself what kills spurge but not grass? Don’t take chances with your turf — contact the pros at Ryno Lawn Care for expert service and proven results.