Controlling Wild Garlic in Lawns: Herbicide Timing and Cultural Practices

Controlling Wild Garlic in Lawns: Herbicide Timing and Cultural Practices

Wild garlic (wild onion) grows 3× faster than grass and is unsightly. It spreads by bulbs that persist for years.

Herbicide Treatment

• Use post-emergent triclopyr (check label for wild garlic control).
• Apply early to mid-spring only when actively growing.
• Spot-treat only infested areas.
• Repeat for at least 2 consecutive years—bulbs escape single treatments.

Cultural Suppression

• Mow at 3″, frequently (1/3 rule)—shades soil, discourages garlic seedlings.
• Fertilize for density: ~3 lb N/1000 sq ft/season, split 2–3 apps (1 lb N/app). Half rate under trees.
• Key fertilizing times: Early May, Early September, Late Oct/Nov (winterizer 24-3-12).

Resource

UIUC Wild Garlic ID & Control

Persistence with both chemical and cultural methods is required.