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How to Kill Dock Weed
How to Kill Dock Weed. Dock weed, a broadleaf perennial plant, is a member of the buckwheat family and a common weed in poorly maintained turf and grassland pastures. The plant's two main species are curly dock (Rumex crispus) and broad-leaved dock (R. obtusifolius), both of which form a deep branched taproot that is difficult to remove entirely...
Dock weed, a broadleaf perennial plant, is a member of the buckwheat family and a common weed in poorly maintained turf and grassland pastures. The plant's two main species are curly dock (Rumex crispus) and broad-leaved dock (R. obtusifolius), both of which form a deep branched taproot that is difficult to remove entirely without disrupting the surrounding grass. Killing dock weed requires either manually removing each plant and much of its root, applying an herbicide or using organic weed control methods.
Things You'll Need
Garden spade or dandelion fork
Broadleaf herbicide
Herbicidal soap or organic herbicide
Dig out the dock weed and its taproot. Using a sharp garden spade or a dandelion fork, which is a long handled tool especially designed to reach deep taproots, remove the leafy part of the dock weed plant and its entire root. If the plant is growing in established turf and digging out the whole root would disturb the surrounding area, insert the pointed dandelion fork as close to the base of the plant as possible, loosening the root as you pull up on the plant. If you've removed at least 4 inches of the taproot, the plant has a difficult time rejuvenating from the remaining root.
Apply a broadleaf herbicide to control large infestations of dock weed. Richard Zollinger, North Dakota State University Extension's weed specialist, recommends any herbicide containing clopyralid. Glyphosate, known commonly by the brand name Round-Up, will also kill dock weed, Zollinger says, but requires higher rates of the chemical and several applications.
Use an organic herbicide, such as an insecticidal soap, to kill dock weed and other broadleaf weeds. According to the National Gardening Association, soap-based herbicides dehydrate plant leaves and will kill young plants that have yet to establish an extensive root system. Other organic insecticides that kill broadleaf weeds contain clove oil (eugenol) or acetic acid and citric acid.
Tips & Warnings
Spray herbicides and herbicidal soaps on non-windy days to ensure desirable plants are not affected.
For the best results, spray weeds when the sun is shining brightly and the temperature is above 70 degrees F.
Avoid applying herbicides in July and August, when hot, dry weather poses an increased risk of causing damage to lawn grass.
