Wild Onion and Wild Garlic in Georgia Lawns
These perennial weeds grow from underground bulbs and resist most standard treatments. Learn why multiple seasons of professional control is the answer.
Weed profile
What Is Wild Onion & Wild Garlic?
Wild onion and wild garlic are perennial weeds that emerge in fall and winter from underground bulbs. They grow taller than surrounding grass and have a distinctive onion/garlic smell when mowed.
Identification
How to Identify Wild Onion & Wild Garlic
Tall, thin green spikes that grow faster than surrounding grass
Hollow, round stems (wild garlic) or flat leaves (wild onion)
Strong onion or garlic smell when cut or crushed
Clusters emerge from underground bulbs
Most visible in winter when warm-season grass is dormant
Treatment
How to Get Rid of Wild Onion & Wild Garlic
Prevention
Limited pre-emergent effectiveness (bulbs bypass soil barriers)
Maintain dense, healthy turf to reduce open growing space
Hand-pulling can work for small infestations if you remove the entire bulb cluster
Consistent post-emergent treatment depletes bulb energy over time
Professional Treatment
Post-emergent herbicide applied during active growth (winter-spring). The waxy leaf surface makes absorption difficult, so a surfactant is often needed. Multiple treatments over 2-3 seasons exhaust the bulb system.
DIY vs pro
Why Professional Treatment Works Better
The waxy coating on wild onion/garlic leaves causes most herbicides to roll off without absorbing. Professional applications include surfactants that help the product stick and penetrate. Hand-pulling is effective for small clusters if you get the entire bulb.
Affected grasses
Grass Types Wild Onion & Wild Garlic Invades
Why Attaboy
Professional Wild Onion & Wild Garlic Treatment from Attaboy
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Onion & Wild Garlic
Why does my lawn smell like onions when I mow?
You likely have wild onion or wild garlic. These perennial weeds grow from underground bulbs and release their characteristic smell when cut.
Can I just pull wild onion out?
You can, but you must remove the entire bulb cluster. If even one small bulblet remains, it will regrow. For large infestations, herbicide treatment is more practical.
How long does it take to eliminate wild onion?
The underground bulb system stores energy, so complete elimination typically takes 2-3 seasons of consistent treatment. Each application weakens the bulbs further.
Related weeds
Other Weeds Active in the Same Season
Take action
Stop Wild Onion & Wild Garlic Before It Takes Over
Every day you wait is another day weeds spread. Get professional weed control backed by our free re-treatment guarantee.
