Wood sorrel is a total pro when it comes to taking over a garden. It actually has a two-pronged attack strategy: underground, its rhizomes spread out to weave a thick green carpet, while above ground, it literally launches its seeds several feet through the air. If you want to stop its victory lap, you’re going to need a little bit of patience and a lot of persistence.
Spotting the first signs
Since wood sorrel is everywhere in the wild, it’s incredibly easy for it to hitch a ride into your backyard. Sometimes it even sneaks in as a “bonus” in the root balls of plants you buy at the nursery. Now, technically, wood sorrel is edible, and its juice has even been used as a remedy for various ailments. But let’s be real—most gardeners aren’t looking for a snack; they see it as a stubborn weed. If you want to keep your garden sorrel-free, you’ve got to keep a sharp eye out and nip the invasion in the bud.
Skip the chemicals
You’ll find plenty of herbicides at the store claiming to kill wood sorrel. While they might seem like the “easy way out,” they aren’t great for the environment. Plus, they aren’t exactly surgical—they can easily damage the plants you actually want to keep. The good news is that you don’t need them. There are much better ways to handle the problem, so you can leave those bottles on the shelf.
Consistency is key: The weeding game plan
The trick is to start weeding early in the year before the plant has a chance to produce seeds. When those seed pods burst, they can fling seeds up to 8 feet away! If you don’t catch them in time, they’ll find every empty nook and cranny in your yard.
- Start weeding in March or April.
- Keep at it regularly throughout the season.
- Pull or dig out the entire plant, roots and all.
- Pro tip: Loosen the soil first to make it easier.
It’s really important to get the whole root system out. Even a tiny piece left behind can sprout into a brand-new plant.
Tackling wood sorrel in your lawn effectively
Getting sorrel out of a lawn is a bit trickier because the grass is so dense. If you have a massive patch that’s more sorrel than grass, your best bet might be to dig up that section and re-seed it or lay down some fresh sod. For smaller issues, try these tips:
- Strengthen your grass so it can outcompete the weeds.
- Use fertilizer and lime to give your lawn a boost.
- Dethatch (verticut) your lawn.
- Mow regularly to prevent seeds from forming.
- Dig out any individual plants you can reach.
- Try covering small patches with black plastic until the sorrel dies off (the grass is usually tough enough to bounce back afterward).
- Water deeply—sorrel actually isn’t a fan of super-wet soil.
Quick Tip:
If you’ve got wood sorrel growing in the cracks of your patio or walkway, don’t break your back with a weeding tool. A propane torch (weed burner) works wonders here. The heat destroys the plant cells, and the weed will wither away in no time.
Preventing a comeback
Once you’ve cleared the area, make sure the sorrel doesn’t find an open invitation to return. Never leave bare patches of soil—they are basically landing strips for sorrel seeds and other weeds. Fill those gaps with plants you actually like, or put down a thick layer of wood mulch to keep the sunlight out.
