Eradicating Prickly Pear Cactus from Lawn: Persistent Effort Required

Prickly pear cactus spreads when mowing fragments root. Its waxy skin resists herbicides. Dr. Tim Murphy recommends a multi-year approach:

1. Dig repeatedly with a dandelion fork—may take years.
2. Cut and paint stumps with undiluted triclopyr (Brush B Gon) if digging fails.
3. Improve lawn vigor: Dense, healthy grass shades out cactus. Poor maintenance favors the weed.

No quick fix exists; persistence and better turf management are essential.