I have violets in my yard. How can I get rid of them? How can I prevent them?

Veronica EXPERT July 26, 2008

Acidity of the soil isn't an issue with wild violets. It's just that they're a tough weed to get rid of!

If they're in the lawn, regular use of a broadleaf herbicide will definitely help keep them in check. Also be sure to regularly feed and mow the lawn. Healthy lawn naturally crowds out weeds of all sorts.

If they're in a bed or border, the best method of controlling them is to simply weed them out. When the soil is moist (water it first if needed), use a garden knife or other weeding tool to get the roots and all. Getting the roots is important since they'll grow back from roots and spread through underground runner roots.

Then mulch with 1-3 inches of wood bark or other mulch. This will help suffocate the violet parts that remain. (Bonus: It will prevent other weeds, too.)

Wild violets thrive in light shade. If you can allow more sun into the side by pruning up a tree, etc., that would be helpful.