Spurge in a lawn is controlled with a selective broadleaf herbicide applied at a distance from tree root zones and drip lines, since the main spurge-targeted product sold for home lawn care carries a direct label warning against use near trees, shrubs, and ornamentals. Getting spurge out of a lawn without affecting a nearby tree comes down to product choice, application distance, and timing rather than assuming any single spray is automatically tree-safe.

What Product Targets Spurge Specifically?

Shop Spurge Power Weed Control, a 1 pint concentrate formulated to control spotted spurge along with a wide range of other broadleaf weeds. It is a postemergence turf herbicide containing MCPA, Triclopyr, and Dicamba.

Weeds controlled by the product include:

• Spotted spurge, the primary target
• Clovers
• Oxalis
• Dandelion
• More than 75 additional broadleaf weeds listed on the product label

The concentrate is mixed at a rate of 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) per 2 gallons of water, applied to 1,000 square feet of turf.

What Does the Product Label Say About Applying Near Trees?

The Spurge Power label states that the product should not be used in ornamental beds, flowers, trees, or shrubs, and that drift onto them should be avoided. This means treatment needs a clear buffer zone between the spray area and any nearby tree canopy, trunk, or root zone, rather than broadcast application right up to the base of a tree.

What Application Timing Reduces Drift and Off-Target Damage?

Following the label's timing and weather guidance lowers the risk of the herbicide reaching non-target plants such as trees and shrubs. The confirmed application conditions are:

• The lawn should not be mowed for one to two days before or after application.
• The lawn should not be watered for 24 hours after application.
• Reseeding should wait at least three weeks after treatment.
• Application should not occur when temperatures exceed 85°F, with early morning application recommended in summer.
• Pets and people should stay off the treated area until the spray has dried.

Calmer, cooler conditions also reduce the chance of spray drifting onto a tree's foliage or root zone during application.

Is There a More Precise Option for Treating Weeds Near a Tree's Root Zone?

Shop Weed Whacker Jet Spray for a more targeted application method than broadcast spraying. It is designed for close-range, spot treatment: the label directs application by standing one to two feet from the weed and spraying directly at its centre, rather than covering a broad turf area. This spot-treatment approach limits the spray to the individual weed rather than the surrounding lawn, which reduces the area where drift toward a nearby tree could occur. The product page does not include tree-specific safety guidance, so the same buffer-distance caution that applies to broadcast herbicides is still worth following near a tree's canopy or root zone.

What Grass Types Tolerate Spurge Power Treatment?

Spurge Power is labelled safe for use on all commercial turf types except two. Grass compatibility breaks down as follows:

• Safe for use on all commercial turfgrasses except dichondra and carpet grass.
• Centipede and St. Augustine grass may show temporary yellowing after treatment, with recovery expected.

Browse the full Weed Control collection for the complete range of options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Spurge Power be applied directly around trees or shrubs?

No. The product label specifically states it should not be used in ornamental beds, flowers, trees, or shrubs, and that drift onto them should be avoided.

How soon can a treated lawn be mowed or watered?

Mowing should be avoided for one to two days before and after application, and the lawn should not be watered for 24 hours after treatment.

How long should reseeding wait after using Spurge Power?

Reseeding should wait at least three weeks after application.

Does temperature affect when Spurge Power should be applied?

Yes. The label advises against application when temperatures exceed 85°F and recommends early morning application during summer.

What other weeds does Spurge Power control besides spurge?

Beyond spotted spurge, the product controls clovers, oxalis, dandelion, and more than 75 other broadleaf weeds listed on its label.