If you’ve noticed a fast-spreading, mat-forming weed taking over your lawn this summer, you’re not alone. Spurge weed is one of the most common and persistent weeds in Houston, TX. Once it pops up, it can quickly take over thin or stressed turf—and become a serious nuisance for homeowners.
Let’s take a closer look at what spurge is, how to identify spotted spurge, and the most effective ways to get rid of it using the right spurge weed killer and lawn care practices.
Spurge is a warm-season annual weed that thrives in hot, dry conditions—exactly the kind of weather Houston experiences in late spring and summer. It grows low to the ground in dense mats and produces small, oval leaves with a reddish stem.
There are several types of spurge, but the most common in Texas lawns is spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata). This variety gets its name from the dark red or purple spot often found in the center of each leaf.
When broken or crushed, spurge stems release a milky sap that can irritate the skin—so it’s best to wear gloves if you pull it by hand.
Why Spurge Is a Problem in Houston Lawns
Spurge grows aggressively in bare or thin patches of grass, especially in compacted soil or areas that dry out quickly. Because it spreads by seed, even a small outbreak can turn into a full-blown invasion if left untreated.
Here’s why spurge weed is more than just an eyesore:
It outcompetes turfgrass for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
It thrives in cracks, along driveways, and in flower beds.
It can regrow quickly from missed seedlings.
The sap can irritate skin and make mowing unpleasant.
Once spotted spurge establishes itself, it can be tough to remove completely without using the right control products and lawn maintenance approach.
The Best Way to Control Spurge Weed
The key to eliminating spurge weed in Houston lawns is a combination of prevention, targeted treatment, and turf health.
1. Apply a Pre-Emergent
Pre-emergent herbicides form a barrier in the soil that prevents spurge seeds from germinating. Timing is critical—apply before soil temperatures reach 70°F, typically in early spring in Houston. A professional lawn care program ensures consistent, season-long protection.
Professional lawn care technicians, like those at Greengate Turf & Pest, use commercial-grade formulations that safely and effectively eliminate spotted spurge and other stubborn summer weeds.
3. Improve Lawn Density
Spurge thrives where your lawn is thin. Keeping your grass thick and healthy through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization helps crowd out weeds naturally. Regular fertilization and aeration can make a big difference in Houston’s compacted soils.
4. Spot-Treat in Flower Beds and Driveways
For spurge growing in landscape beds or cracks, pull by hand when possible, or apply a non-selective herbicide carefully to avoid damaging desirable plants.
Preventing Spurge in the Future
The best defense against spurge is a strong, healthy lawn. Here’s how to make your yard less inviting to this invasive weed:
Mow at the correct height for your grass type.
Water deeply and infrequently to strengthen roots.
Apply pre-emergent weed control in spring and fall.
Fertilize regularly to promote dense turf growth.
Address bare spots quickly before spurge takes over.
Professional Spurge Control in Houston, TX
If spurge has taken over your yard, don’t fight it alone. The experts at Greengate Turf & Pest provide professional lawn care programs tailored for Houston’s warm, humid climate. Our technicians use premium spurge weed killer products and proven treatment schedules to stop weeds before they start—and restore your lawn’s health.
Protect your yard from spotted spurge and other invasive weeds with a treatment plan designed for long-term results.
