How to Control Creeping Buttercups

Creeping buttercups are considered a noxious weed, according to King County Noxious Weed Program. These low-growing perennial broadleaf weeds invade lawns and steal nutrients and soil moisture. Left to their own devices, creeping buttercups cause both landscape plants and grass to decline in health. In addition, livestock are poisoned after grazing from these weeds. Remove creeping buttercups by both chemical and cultural control methods to restore the health of your yard.

Paintbrush
Broad spectrum herbicide
Shovel
Broadleaf selective herbicide
Landscape fabric
Landscape pins
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Dip a small paintbrush into a broad eaf herbicide that contains glyphosate. Paint the herbicide onto the foliage of your creeping buttercups growing next to ornamental plants. Broad spectrum herbicide kills any type of vegetation, so use with care. Reapply the herbicide two to three times.
- 2
  Spray creeping buttercups growing away from vegetation with the broad spectrum herbicide. Apply herbicide to plants growing in the cracks of pathways, driveways and patios on a wind- and rain-free day.
- 3
  Dig up creeping buttercups. First, water their growing area; then press a shovel 2 to 3 inches away from the creeping buttercups and at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Push their entire root system through the soil. Creeping buttercups' root systems must be completely removed, because new ones can emerge from fragments.
- 4
  Spray a broadleaf selective weed killer on creeping buttercups growing within the lawn. Use an herbicide that contains MCPA.
- 5
  Cut a piece of landscape fabric to the size of your flowerbed to prevent creeping buttercups from growing back. Create "X"-shaped cuts for pulling over your flowers. Secure the perimeter of the landscape fabric with landscape pins. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch on top.

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