With its yellow flowers nestled above its lush green foliage, it doesn't look bad - admittedly. Unfortunately, horned sorrel likes to grow where it is not wanted, such as in the lawn, in the vegetable patch or between the paving slabs. His destruction is not an easy matter
How can you effectively destroy horned sorrel?
To destroy horned sorrel, you should dig it up and remove all roots, fertilize and lime the lawn regularly, and use ground cover to prevent re-establishment. If the infestation is severe, a weed killer can be used.
Permanent destruction is a matter of luck
Once the horned sorrel has established itself and has already produced seeds, it is difficult to displace it again. He is considered tough. Simply tearing it out doesn't stop it. Its roots survive and if they don't, its seeds help spread it. Within a few years, an entire area can be dominated by horn sorrel.
Fighting horn sorrel in the lawn
If horn sorrel grows in carefully maintained lawns, the following measures can help:
- Lime the lawn regularly (horn sorrel doesn't like lime)
- Make horn sorrel die of thirst
- Dig out affected areas completely and install new (finished) lawn
- Mow the lawn regularly (twice a week in summer)
Fighting horn sorrel in other locations
In other locations it makes most sense to weed the horn sorrel. It is imperative to remove all of its roots. Otherwise, remaining root parts will give rise to new plants. They are extremely willing to survive. Take a spade (€29.00 at Amazon) and gloves and get to work!
If that doesn't work or you don't have the time or desire to weed, you can use weed killers. You should apply herbicides directly to the annoying horned violets. The plants die within a very short time. But that's no guarantee that they won't reappear, for example through seeds that have already been scattered
Prevent settlement early on
It would be optimal if you prevented horn sorrel from establishing itself in advance. It loves acidic soils and partially shaded locations. Don't leave any bare areas, mulch the soil, plant hardy plants, fertilize and mow your lawn and remove the first horn sorrel you come across immediately!
Tip
If you give up the fight, just eat this plant because of the frost. The horn sorrel is edible.