Turfing Over Wild Garlic: Eradicate First, Then Lay Sod

Wild Garlic: The Bulb Nightmare

Flower beds overrun with wild garlic (Allium vineale). Thousands of tiny bulbs at varying depths. Want to lay turf over.

Must Kill Before Turfing

• Bulbs will push through new sod.
• Glyphosate (Roundup) is only practical control.

Application Strategy

1. Spray glyphosate on garlic foliage.
2. Repeat 2–3x at 2-week intervals (bulbs resprout).
3. Near desirable plants: use paint roller on garlic leaves to avoid drift.
4. Wait until all growth dead (brown, shriveled).

Post-Turf Vigilance

• Any garlic in new lawn: spot-treat.
• Technique: cardboard "trap" over garlic leaves, paint roller with glyphosate on exposed leaves.
• Best: eradicate completely before laying turf.

Bottom Line

Wild garlic bulbs survive turfing. Multiple glyphosate applications over 4–6 weeks essential. Paint roller for precision. Clean slate = successful lawn.