Controlling Wild Strawberries in a Fescue Lawn

Treat as Broadleaf Weed

Wild strawberry is a broadleaf perennial. Control options:

Hand-pull: Remove as much root as possible.
Broadleaf herbicides: 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba (two- or three-way blends like Trimec). Apply to actively growing weeds in fall (best) or spring.
Cultural practices: Mow high (2.5–3 in), fertilize adequately, water deeply, aerate to thicken turf canopy.

Take a sample to your county Cooperative Extension for free ID and tailored recommendations. They often have Master Gardeners on staff.

Lawns: Wild Strawberry Invasion in Fescue Lawn: Broadleaf Herbicide Control; Recovering from Accidental Herbicide Application; Weed Control in New Hydroseeded Lawns; Weed & Feed for St. Augustine Near Ornamental Palms: Keep Distance; Converting Ground Cover (Ivy, Pachysandra, Vinca) to Grass Lawn; Dollarweed and Nutsedge in New St. Augustine: Spot-Treat or Renovate; Transitioning to an Organic Lawn: The Sugar Program for North Carolina; Recovering from Weed‑and‑Feed Overapplication; Eradicating Lawn Ivy: Persistent Broadleaf Weed; Growing Strawberries: The Sweetest Berry Fresh from Your Garden

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