Virginia buttonweed is a tough weed for St. Augustine lawns. This guide highlights selective, mode-appropriate products to control buttonweed and protect your warm-season turf. The top picks are best for homeowners seeking practical, label-supported solutions without overhauling their lawn care routine. The table below summarizes five targeted products and their primary uses for St. Augustine and nearby grasses.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Ag Atrazine St. Augustine Weed Killer | Existing weeds in St. Augustine and Centipede grasses | Broad-spectrum post-emergence control |
| Atticus Azion XP MSM Turf Herbicide | Emerged weeds in Bermudagrass and St. Augustine | Selective post-emergence control with metsulfuron-methyl |
| TPS St Augustine Grass Fertilizer (1 gal) | Healthy turf foundation to resist weed establishment | Balanced nutrition for warm-season lawns |
| TPS St Augustine Grass Fertilizer (32 oz) | Maintaining color and density in St. Augustine | Supports thick growth and green color |
| Crabgrass Killer (2 lb) | Post-emergent control on St. Augustine and other grasses | Wipes out weeds with leaf uptake |
Southern Ag Atrazine St. Augustine Weed Killer
Features: One quart treats 3,720 sq ft; Controls Weeds in St. Augustine and Centipede Grasses; Package Weight: 1.021 kilograms.
Best for: Homeowners with established St. Augustine or Centipede lawns facing Virginia buttonweed and other broadleaf weeds. Atrazine delivers broad weed suppression when used according to label directions.
Why selected: It provides a proven, simple-to-use option for large areas and is widely available. Its performance is most effective when weeds are actively growing and the turf is actively maintained.
Limitations: May affect nearby non-target broadleaf species and should be used strictly per label instructions to minimize turf stress. Not ideal for lawns outside St. Augustine or Centipede types.
Atticus Azion XP MSM Turf Herbicide
Features: 60% metsulfuron-methyl; selective post-emergence weed control; targets bermudagrass and St. Augustine weeds including ryegrass, foxtail, and Virginia buttonweed. Must refer to label for full weed list.
Best for: Lawns with bermudagrass or St. Augustine where Virginia buttonweed behaves aggressively, and where selective control is needed without harming the lawn.
Why selected: Azion XP offers a potent, selective option for tough weeds in these grasses, helping maintain turf integrity while reducing buttonweed pressure.
Limitations: Do not apply to other turfgrass species; misapplication can injure sensitive grasses. Always follow label directions for resistant weed profiles.
St Augustine Grass Fertilizer, Complete Plant Food (1 Gallon)
Features: Formulated for St. Augustine Grass; supports thick growth and rich green color; balanced nutrition for warm-season lawns.
Best for: St. Augustine lawn owners seeking a strong nutritional base to outcompete weeds, including buttonweed, through healthier turf growth.
Why selected: A strong feeding regimen supports robust roots and dense turf, making weed establishment harder for invasive species like Virginia buttonweed.
Limitations: Fertilizer alone does not kill established buttonweed; use in combination with a weed control product and proper mowing practices.
St Augustine Grass Fertilizer, Complete Plant Food (32 oz)
Features: Formulated for St. Augustine Grass; supports thick growth and vibrant green color; balanced nutrition for warm-season lawns.
Best for: Homeowners who want steady nutrient supply to sustain dense St. Augustine turf and reduce vulnerability to weed intrusion.
Why selected: Complementary to herbicide programs by improving turf vigor, which helps suppress buttonweed colonization over time.
Limitations: Not a standalone weed killer; relies on integrated lawn care approach for best results.
Crabgrass Killer (2 Pounds)
Features: Use On St. Augustine, Bermuda, Bahia, and Centipede grasses; taken in through leaves to wipe out weeds and roots; does not harm St Augustine grass when used properly.
Best for: Post-emergent control of creeping weeds that often accompany Virginia buttonweed in mixed-species lawns.
Why selected: Provides a practical option for spot or blanket treatment in lawns with multiple grass types, helping manage buttonweed alongside other invaders.
Limitations: Apply carefully to avoid turf injury; some grasses may exhibit sensitivity depending on environmental conditions.
Buying Guide: Virginia Buttonweed Control in St. AugustineLawns
Key considerations help choose the right approach when buttonweed is a concern in St. Augustine lawns.
- Target weed stage: Early post-emergence control is typically more effective before buttonweed becomes established and deeply rooted.
- Turf type compatibility: St. Augustine lawns respond differently to certain herbicides; select products labeled for St. Augustine or Bermudagrass as appropriate.
- Herbicide type: Distinguish between selective herbicides that target broadleaf or grassy weeds and non-selective options. For buttonweed, selective post-emergence products are commonly recommended.
- Site considerations: Consider proximity to ornamentals, runoff potential, and irrigation practices that influence herbicide performance and environmental impact.
- Nutrition and prevention: Pair weed control with proper fertilization and mowing height to strengthen the turf against new weed growth.
- Safety and directions: Always follow label directions, note any restrictions for nearby grasses, and observe re-entry or wind drift precautions.
FAQ
- What is Virginia buttonweed, and why is it hard to control in St. Augustine lawns?
Virginia buttonweed is a perennial weed that thrives in warm-season lawns and can spread rapidly through creeping stolons, making control challenging without targeted products and cultural practices.
- Which product is best for spreading buttonweed across a large St. Augustine lawn?
Herbicides labeled for St. Augustine and offering broad-spectrum post-emergence control, such as atrazine-based formulations, can be effective for larger areas when applied as directed.
- Can I use a fertilizer product alone to control buttonweed?
No. Fertilizers support turf health but do not kill established buttonweed. They should be used in conjunction with an appropriate weed control product.
- Should I use selective herbicides only or consider a mix of products?
Selective herbicides targeting buttonweed and other weeds in warm-season grasses are typically preferred; mixing products should follow label instructions to avoid turf damage.
- Are there any safety precautions I should take during application?
Wear protective gear as recommended on the label, avoid applying before rain, and prevent drift onto ornamentals or sensitive plants.
- When is the best time to treat Virginia buttonweed in St. Augustine lawns?
Early post-emergence treatment during active growth yields better results, especially before the weed forms extensive roots or spreads widely.