Dollar weed is a persistent lawn nuisance that thrives in specific environmental conditions. Recognizing this plant and understanding its preferences is the first step toward effective, non-chemical control. This guide outlines natural strategies for removing current infestations and adjusting your lawn care routine to prevent this moisture-loving weed from returning. Focusing on cultural controls and hands-on methods can naturally restore your lawn’s health and appearance.
Identifying Dollar Weed and Its Preferred Conditions
Dollar weed (Hydrocotyle spp.) is a perennial broadleaf weed easily identified by its distinct, coin-shaped leaves that resemble miniature lily pads, typically measuring one to two inches in diameter. The bright green leaves have slightly wavy, scalloped edges and a smooth, glossy surface. A key identifying feature is that the leaf stem, or petiole, attaches directly to the center of the leaf, rather than the edge. This weed is closely related to aquatic plants and serves as a reliable indicator of excessive soil moisture. Dollar weed thrives in constantly saturated areas, such as low-lying spots, regions with poor drainage, or sections of the lawn that are overwatered. The plant spreads aggressively through above-ground runners (stolons) and underground stems (rhizomes and tubers), allowing it to form dense patches quickly. A thin or poorly maintained lawn, often due to grass being mowed too short, also provides an ideal environment for dollar weed to germinate and take hold.
Manual Removal and Natural Spot Treatments
For small, isolated patches, manual removal is the most direct way to eliminate dollar weed. Because the plant spreads through an extensive system of rhizomes and tubers beneath the soil, removing the entire root structure is crucial to prevent regrowth. Hand-pulling is most effective after rainfall or a thorough watering, as damp soil allows the entire root system to slide out more easily. Carefully loosen the soil around the base of the plant with a trowel, then gently pull to ensure the underground stems and any attached tubers are removed along with the leaves. If any portion of the rhizome remains, the plant can regenerate, so inspect the area carefully after pulling.
For spot treatment of larger infestations, a homemade solution can desiccate the foliage quickly. A common non-selective mixture involves combining one gallon of white household vinegar (typically 5% acetic acid) with one cup of table salt and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap. The acetic acid in the vinegar draws moisture from the leaves, causing them to dry out, while the dish soap acts as a surfactant, helping the solution stick to the waxy leaf surface. Apply this mixture directly to the dollar weed on a sunny, windless day to maximize effectiveness and minimize drift onto desirable turfgrass. Be aware that salt can sterilize the soil, making it temporarily unsuitable for other plants, so use salt-based solutions sparingly and only on the weed itself.
Adjusting Lawn Care for Prevention
Long-term control of dollar weed relies on modifying the environment to make it unfavorable for the weed and encouraging a dense, healthy lawn that naturally crowds it out.
Watering and Drainage
Correcting the excessive moisture that dollar weed needs to thrive is essential. Instead of watering frequently for short periods, switch to watering deeply but infrequently. This practice encourages the turfgrass roots to grow deeper, while allowing the topsoil where dollar weed seeds germinate to dry out between watering sessions. Aim to provide the lawn with approximately one inch of water per week, adjusting for natural rainfall.
If localized areas remain soggy, address the underlying drainage issues, which may involve aerating compacted soil. Core aeration pulls small plugs of soil from the ground, reducing compaction and allowing water to penetrate more effectively, preventing surface pooling. For persistent waterlogged spots, consider improving the grade of the soil to promote runoff away from the area.
Mowing and Fertilization
Raising the mowing height of your lawn is crucial for prevention. Dollar weed requires sunlight to germinate and grow, and keeping the grass taller creates shade that blocks this light from reaching the soil surface. Mowing at the highest recommended setting for your specific turf type promotes a denser canopy, which naturally suppresses weed growth. A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against all weeds.
Regular and balanced fertilization is also necessary to support a vigorous, competitive turf. Applying fertilizer two to four times per year, according to product directions, provides the nutrients the grass needs to grow thick and strong enough to outcompete dollar weed. A dense turf canopy and a dry topsoil layer fundamentally alter the environment, eliminating the conditions that allow dollar weed to gain a foothold in the first place.