Controlling Acorn Sprouts in the Lawn

A heavy acorn drop can leave your lawn dotted with hundreds of tiny oak seedlings. Unfortunately, there's no pre-emergent herbicide that stops acorns from germinating. Your best options are manual removal or spot-treating with a broadleaf weed killer as the sprouts appear over the next few weeks. Regular mowing will also suppress the young seedlings, and they'll eventually die off on their own. If you prefer a chemical approach, apply a broadleaf herbicide labeled for lawn use, following label directions carefully. Persistence is key—new sprouts may continue to emerge for several weeks, but consistent mowing and targeted treatment will keep them in check.