How to Get Rid of Wood Sorrel Weed

Remove the plants mechanically. Pull the plants out by hand or use a hoe or other weeding tool, removing as much of the root mass as possible. This is easiest in non-turf plantings. Remove plants before they flower and go to seed for best control.

Bury seeds or cover them with mulch. Blocking the seeds' exposure to light will prevent germination. This is most feasible in flower beds or gardens.

Wash or use a strong spray of air on lawn mowers to remove any seeds or plant parts after mowing infested turf areas to prevent the spread of wood sorrel. Adjusting the mowing eight or other factors will not control wood sorrel, as this weed can survive and set seed even at extremely low mowing heights.

Apply a herbicide to control the weed. Obtain the best control using properly applied pre-emergent herbicides like dithiopyr, isoxaben, oryzalin, oxadiazon or pendimethalin. Apply these in early spring before the weeds emerge and can be used in turf or landscape plantings. Certain postemergent herbicides can also be applied to control wood sorrel in turf, although yellow wood sorrel is resistant to weed killing chemicals "2,4-D" and MCPP. Instead, apply a product that contains dichlorprop or triclopyr. Apply these to young plants for best control. Apply any herbicides used according to manufacturer instructions.