How to Get Rid of Pennywort in Lawn

A healthy, green lawn is a source of pride for homeowners, but the pesky weed pennywort, also known as dollar weed, can quickly disrupt that picture-perfect yard. This moisture-loving plant thrives in areas with poor drainage and damp soil, making it a common nuisance in centipede lawns and other warm-season lawns. Whether it’s dollar weed patches or individual pennywort plants, controlling this perennial weed is essential to maintaining an attractive, thriving yard. If you’re searching for solutions, this guide will show you how to get rid of pennywort in lawn using a variety of methods to suit your needs.

What is Pennywort?

Pennywort, or Hydrocotyle spp., is a broadleaf weed known for its rounded leaves and fast-growing, creeping nature. Commonly called dollarweed, this perennial weed spreads through underground stolons and thrives in areas with high moisture levels. It can outgrow grass quickly, turning your lawn into a dense tangle of dollarweed plants.

Key Features of Pennywort:

• Rounded Leaves: The leaves resemble coins, giving it the nickname “dollarweed.”
• Wavy Margins: The edges of the leaves often have slight curves or ripples.
• White Flowers: During summer, small, white flowers appear on the plant.
• Water-Loving Plant: Pennywort thrives in wet soil and areas prone to poor drainage.

Recognizing these traits will help you take action before this pesky weed overruns your lawn.

How to Identify Pennywort in Lawn

Spotting pennywort early is crucial. Here’s how you can identify it in your lawn:

• Shape and Size: Look for small, circular leaves with a glossy green surface and wavy margins.
• Thin, Creeping Stems: These allow pennywort to spread quickly across damp soil.
• Location: Pennywort often grows in shady lawns, waterlogged areas, or where soil drainage is poor.
• Flowers: Keep an eye out for tiny white flowers that bloom during the growing season.

Identifying dollarweed plants early gives you the upper hand in eliminating them.

Causes of Pennywort Growth in Lawns

Several conditions make lawns susceptible to pennywort invasions. Here’s what you need to know about its growth triggers:

1. Poor Drainage: Wet soil or standing water creates an ideal environment for pennywort to flourish.
2. Excessive Moisture Levels: Overwatering promotes the spread of this water-loving plant.
3. Weak Grass Growth: Thinning grass or nutrient-deficient lawns offer less competition, allowing pennywort to take root.
4. Shade and Damp Areas: Shady lawns and low-lying spots often harbor unwanted weeds like pennywort.

Understanding these factors can help you adjust your lawn care routine to prevent this pesky weed from thriving.

How to Get Rid of Pennywort

Here’s how to eliminate pennywort and restore your lawn to its former glory. Follow these methods depending on the severity of the infestation.

1. Manual Removal

For small infestations, hand-pulling pennywort can be effective.

• Tools: Use a weeding tool or hoe to loosen the soil.
• Technique: Pull the entire plant, including roots and stolons, to prevent regrowth.
• Timing: This works best after heavy rain when the soil is wet and easier to work with.

Manual removal is eco-friendly but may not be practical for widespread dollar weed patches.

2. Organic Methods

If you prefer natural ways to get rid of pennywort, consider these eco-conscious solutions:

• Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water directly on the weeds can kill the entire plant, including its roots.
• Vinegar Spray: Use acetic acid (commonly found in household vinegar) as a natural Weed Killer. Mix vinegar with water and spray it on pennywort leaves.
• Corn Gluten Meal: This organic pre-emergent herbicide prevents dollarweed plants from germinating.

These methods are safe for desirable plants and are ideal for families with pets or children.

3. Chemical Herbicides

For larger infestations, applying chemical herbicides can provide quick results. Look for products specifically targeting pennywort or broadleaf weeds, such as a post-emergent herbicide or a broadleaf weed killer.

• Active Ingredient: Check the product label for herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr, which are effective against dollar weed herbicide-resistant patches.
• Non-Selective Herbicide: Use this only in extreme cases, as it kills all plants, including ornamental plants and grass, if not applied carefully.
• Timing: Apply when pennywort is actively growing for the best results.

Always read and follow the product label instructions when using chemical herbicides to minimize risks to desirable plants.

Best Time of Year to Remove Pennywort

Timing matters when dealing with pennywort. Here’s when to take action for optimal results:

• Spring and Early Summer: Herbicides and removal efforts are most effective when pennywort is actively growing.
• Post-Rain Events: Wet soil makes it easier to pull out the entire plant, including its roots.

Consistency is key when it comes to eradicating this broadleaf plant.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Pennywort Regrowth

Once you’ve tackled pennywort, focus on prevention to keep it from returning:

• Improve Soil Drainage: Aerate your lawn regularly to address compacted or poor drainage areas.
• Adjust Watering: Reduce excessive moisture levels by watering deeply but less frequently. Damp soil encourages healthy grass growth while discouraging weeds.
• Healthy Lawn Maintenance: Mow grass at the appropriate height (2.5–3 inches) and fertilize to promote dense grass that outcompetes weeds.
• Frequent Inspections: Check for dollarweed plants periodically to catch new infestations early.

By creating a lawn-friendly environment, you’ll lower the chances of pesky weed invasions.

Conclusion

Pennywort, or dollar weed, may be a tough opponent, but with the right approach, you can reclaim your lawn. Whether you choose manual removal, organic methods, or chemical herbicides, understanding how to get rid of pennywort in lawn ensures lasting results. Addressing moisture levels, improving soil drainage, and maintaining a nutrient-rich lawn are essential steps to prevent regrowth. A weed-free, lush lawn is within your reach with consistent care and attention.

Anamika

Anamika is a passionate writer for Eco365Store.com, specializing in topics that inspire a cleaner, greener world. With expertise in home cleaning, recycling, and eco-friendly solutions, she crafts engaging and informative articles that help readers adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.