Wood sorrel belongs to the genus Oxalis. In recent years the wood sorrel with the scientific name Oxalis corniculata has spread en masse in gardens. Here, the kind that loves to spread populates pavement joints, lawns and garden beds. It can be recognized by the reddish overflowing clover leaves and the yellow flowers. Wood sorrel only spreads when the growing conditions are right. They can fight the weeds with various means.
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Propagation of wood sorrel
The plant blooms between June and October. Wood sorrel spreads its seeds with an efficient strategy. When the fruit ripens, the capsules pop open, so that the seeds are flung away from the mother plant over long distances. This brought the species the common name spring clover. Ants feed on the fatty appendages of the seeds. They carry the seeds into their buildings and in this way also ensure that they are spread. In addition to sexual reproduction via seeds, the wood sorrel can also spread via root runners. When lawns and joints get enough sunlight, the plant will invade such habitats.
Unfavorable growing conditions for wood sorrel:
- shady locations
- soil conditions that are too moist
- cold weather
weed weed
This measure proves to be effective if the wood sorrel has not yet reached fruit ripeness. The plants and their roots are removed before summer. You should do this carefully so that no root runners are left behind. Wood sorrel successfully sprouts even from small remains of roots, provided there is enough light and not too much moisture.
Flames
As a warmth and drought-loving species, Oxalis prefers to settle between joints. The weeds can be fought with a flame-throwing device. Hold the flame on the plant for a few seconds without burning it directly. As a result of the action of heat, the liquid in the cells expands, causing their walls to burst. The plant dies within the next few days. With this method, you can only control the weeds superficially. The roots survive the effects of heat and sprout again after a short time. Therefore, you should repeat the measure several times a year until the plant is weakened and can no longer grow.
Mow the lawn regularly
Clover in the lawn can be contained by mowing it. To do this, you have to set the lawnmower as low as possible, because the plant develops young leaves close to the surface of the ground. Shorten the lawn at regular intervals and do not allow the wood sorrel to mature. If the shamrocks are cut continuously, this leads to a weakening of the plants in the long term. Patience is required for this measure. It can take several summers before the clover is successfully banished from the lawn.
Lime Boden
This frequently recommended measure only provides a limited remedy, because contrary to what the name suggests, wood sorrel spreads even on slightly calcareous substrates. Lime can be used to improve the growth conditions for grasses so that the weeds cannot find a way to spread. Check the pH of the soil and only sprinkle garden lime as needed if there are a lot of lime-tolerant grasses on the lawn.
vinegar
You can use this home remedy to fight wood sorrel between joints above ground. Dilute vinegar with water and spray the solution evenly on all plants. The mild acid damages the outer skin, so that the plant wilts and dies within a few days. However, the solution does not get into the organism, but acts externally. With this method, the roots are not damaged and can sprout again. Repeat the process as soon as fresh clovers appear between the grout. The method is not suitable for lawns, as other plants are also damaged.
Benefits of combating with vinegar:
- ecological alternative to herbicides
- Vinegar breaks down quickly in the soil
- Method works even at low temperatures
- Effect is accelerated at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius
Geranium acid
This naturally occurring fatty acid is a common ingredient in biological control agents. The plants are sprayed with the solution so that the active ingredient attacks the external tissue. The leaves burn in the sunlight, so that the plant dies after a short time. Since the remedy does not penetrate to the roots, you should use it regularly.
Herbicides
Chemical pesticides in most cases do not differentiate between weeds and desired plants. They damage the ecosystem and should be used with caution. Means for controlling dicotyledonous plants have been developed especially for lawns. Grasses that belong to the monocot are spared the means. The use of herbicides is strictly forbidden on joints, as the next rain will wash away the agents and they can get into open water.
Renew the lawn
If the wood sorrel has spread massively over the area, only a deep renewal of the lawn will help. Provide the lawn with a thick layer of compost so that the grasses grow lush because of the excess nutrients. After about 14 days the lawn has grown well. Set the lawn mower as low as possible and mow the entire area to just above the ground. Then the area is thoroughly scarified. If the clover has developed particularly dense stands, you should peel off the sward shallowly in these areas. Fill up with fresh topsoil. Then seeds are spread over the entire area. Thorough and regular watering ensures that the grass seeds germinate quickly and develop a closed scar. Wood sorrel does not tolerate wet conditions.
Partial renewal of small-area Oxalis stocks:
- Remove weeds with a digging fork
- Remove the upper soil layers
- Top up with fresh substrate
- Lay out turf or scatter seeds
- Water the area well
Prevent
Targeted prevention is better than protracted control. Make sure that no seeds are introduced and provide lawns with nutrients. Think about preventive measures before laying stone slabs on garage driveways and sidewalks.
Check container goods
The weeds are often introduced into the garden through purchased potted plants. The seeds survive on the surface. Therefore, check each container plant for possible seedlings and pluck them together with the roots. You can prevent it from spreading in the garden by removing the top layer of substrate from the root ball and throwing it away with household waste.
Fertilize
Wood sorrel has low nutritional requirements and prefers to thrive in soils that lack nitrogen. You can prevent it from spreading with regular fertilization. Horn meal is ideal for improving the nutrient balance. It decomposes over time, adding nothing but nitrogen to the soil. Due to the slow decomposition of the purely organic product, you avoid the risk of over-fertilization.
Seal the joints
A grout can help prevent wood sorrel from spreading. You can use the compound to quickly and permanently dry up joints between natural stone, concrete slabs and clinker paving. Grout is inexpensive and self-thickens after it is applied.
Advantages of joint sealing
- high abrasion resistance
- insensitive to road salt
- frost resistant
- levels edges
Weed control against wood sorrel
So that the clover does not spread in joints, you should lay a weed fleece on the floor before laying stone slabs or paving stones. It should have a material thickness of at least 150 grams per square meter so that it is not torn by small stones. Dark materials ensure a high level of light tightness so that the seeds cannot germinate under the fleece. In addition, it should be impermeable to water and free of chemical binders. Pay attention to frost-resistant and rot-proof properties.
Conclusion
The use of herbicides and household products is not always allowed. You are on the safe side if you control the weeds mechanically by weeding or mowing the lawn. The most effective method is flaming the weeds. Think about joint sealers and weed control. Regular lawn care prevents large-scale weed growth.
