By Paul Oliver, Founder, TreeHelp.com

When it comes to weed control, some weeds just won’t take the hint. You spray them, pull them, curse them—and still, they come back. One of the most stubborn culprits in lawns and ornamental landscapes is spurge, along with other tough broadleaf weeds like oxalis, knotweed, plantain, and dandelions.

That’s why I often recommend Monterey Spurge Power—a highly effective post-emergent broadleaf herbicide that’s been formulated specifically for the kinds of weeds most homeowners struggle to control. It’s one of the best tools available for achieving a clean, healthy lawn without a major renovation.

Why I Like It: A Precise Solution for Stubborn Weeds

What sets Spurge Power apart is its selective control. It targets a wide variety of broadleaf weeds without harming most established warm-season and cool-season turfgrasses, including Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescues. That means you can get rid of weeds without sacrificing your lawn in the process.

The formulation includes three active ingredients—MCPA, Triclopyr, and Dicamba—that work together to hit weeds from multiple angles, causing them to twist, curl, and die within days of application. This triple-action combination provides more complete control of hard-to-kill species than many single-ingredient products.

It’s especially good at tackling:

• Spurge (prostrate and spotted)
• Oxalis (wood sorrel)
• Dandelion
• Clover
• Plantain
• Knotweed
• Wild violet
• Chickweed

If you’ve tried general-purpose weed killers and still have patches of these troublemakers, Spurge Power is the next step up.

How to Use It

One of the best things about Spurge Power is that it’s easy to apply with a standard tank or hose-end sprayer. Here’s how I recommend using it:

1. Dilute the concentrate according to the label instructions. For most lawn applications, use 1 to 1.25 fluid ounces per gallon of water to treat 1,000 square feet of turf.
   
2. Apply evenly across the area where weeds are present or likely to appear. You want
   light, uniform coverage without oversaturating.
3. Target actively growing weeds—this is a post-emergent herbicide, so it works on
   weeds that have already sprouted.
4. Avoid mowing 2–3 days before and after application. This gives the product time to
   be absorbed through the foliage for maximum effectiveness.

Tips for Best Results

1. Spot treat early: Catching weeds while they’re young and tender increases success. Mature spurge and oxalis can be more resistant.
2. Use proper spray technique: Apply with even pressure and a fine mist for good leaf coverage. Avoid overspraying, which can stress turf.
3. Reapply if necessary: For heavy infestations or particularly stubborn species like wild violet, a second application 2–3 weeks later may be needed.
4. Avoid using on newly seeded lawns: Wait until new grass is fully established before applying. Generally, wait 3–4 weeks after seeding or sodding.

Lawn Safety and Compatibility

Spurge Power is safe on most established turfgrass types, but there are a few caveats:

• Do not use on bahiagrass, bentgrass, carpetgrass, centipedegrass, or dichondra, as these grasses are sensitive to the formulation. 
• Check the label for a full list of approved grass types and always spot-test a small area if you’re unsure.

Environmental Considerations

As with any herbicide, responsible use is essential. Follow label instructions carefully and avoid application near water bodies or desirable broadleaf plants, as drift can cause damage. Use a drift-reducing spray tip and avoid spraying on windy days.

Always store the product securely and keep children and pets off treated areas until the spray has dried, usually within a few hours.

Final Thoughts

Weed control doesn’t have to be a battle of attrition. With Monterey Spurge Power, you get professional-grade results in a product that’s designed for homeowners who want their lawn to look its best — without resorting to harsh, lawn-killing chemicals.

It’s especially useful when common herbicides just aren’t cutting it. If you’ve got spurge, oxalis, or other stubborn weeds that won’t quit, Spurge Power might be your lawn’s new best friend.

As always, if you need help identifying a weed or planning your lawn care strategy, reach out to us at TreeHelp.com. We’re here to help your landscape thrive — weed-free and worry-free.