7 Proven Strategies to Get Rid of Creeping Buttercup in Vancouver, BC

Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is a common and highly invasive weed in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, especially in moist soils, lawns, gardens, and shaded areas. With its shiny leaves and bright yellow flowers, it may look harmless—but don’t be fooled. Creeping buttercup spreads aggressively by stolons (above-ground runners) and crowds out everything in its path, including turfgrass and perennials.

At Ascent Yard Care, we specialize in creeping buttercup removal and long-term control. Whether you’re dealing with a few patches or an overrun lawn, here are 7 proven ways to eliminate it and restore your property.

1. 

Dig It Out—Roots and All

For small patches, manual removal is effective if done carefully:

• Use a weeding knife or spade to dig beneath the root system
• Remove all stolons and creeping stems
• Bag and dispose of debris (never compost)

Buttercup roots are shallow but widespread. Leaving any piece behind can lead to regrowth.

Best done: In spring or fall when soil is moist.

2. 

Improve Drainage & Reduce Soil Moisture

Creeping buttercup thrives in wet, compacted soil. If it’s taking over your lawn or garden, check for:

• Poor drainage
• Overwatering
• Shaded areas with soggy soil

Improve conditions by:

• Aerating your lawn
• Amending soil with compost
• Installing drainage or grading low spots

Healthier, drier soil gives grass and plants a fighting chance.

3. 

Apply a Targeted Herbicide

For larger infestations or when manual removal isn’t practical, a selective herbicide can knock buttercup back without killing grass or garden plants.

At Ascent Yard Care, we use low-toxicity, targeted products that are:

• Pet- and wildlife-safe
• Effective at penetrating buttercup’s waxy leaves
• Applied precisely to reduce environmental impact

Best time to spray: Spring or early summer, during active growth.

4. 

Smother with Mulch or Landscape Fabric

In garden beds or along fence lines, buttercup can be smothered to death:

• Cut the plant to ground level
• Cover with cardboard, landscape fabric, or a thick tarp
• Add 4–6 inches of mulch on top
• Leave in place for several months

This method starves the plant of sunlight and prevents it from spreading by runners.

5. 

Topdress & Overseed Lawns

In turf areas, creeping buttercup often fills in bare spots where grass is thin. To push it out naturally:

• Topdress with high-quality compost
• Overseed with a locally adapted grass blend
• Water deeply but infrequently to favor strong roots

A thick, healthy lawn is your best natural defense against buttercup and other weeds.

6. 

Maintain a Regular Mowing & Fertilization Schedule

Neglected lawns are a magnet for creeping buttercup. Mow high (3+ inches) to shade out weeds and:

• Fertilize 2–3x per year with a balanced lawn fertilizer
• Water deeply once or twice a week (not daily)
• Spot-treat emerging weeds quickly

Routine lawn care can reduce buttercup pressure naturally over time.

7. 

Hire a Professional Weed Removal Team

Buttercup may seem manageable at first, but its runners, shallow roots, and fast regrowth make it hard to remove fully without experience. At Ascent Yard Care, we offer:

• Expert hand-weeding and root removal
• Precision herbicide treatments
• Lawn restoration and soil improvement
• Mulching and barrier installation
• Long-term prevention plans

We’re fully insured, locally trusted, and trained to safely remove creeping buttercup without harming your landscape.

Where We Work

We remove creeping buttercup throughout:

• Vancouver
• North Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• New Westminster
• Coquitlam
• Delta
• Langley & beyond

Don’t Let Creeping Buttercup Take Over

Creeping buttercup spreads fast—but so can your response. Let the pros at Ascent Yard Care help you take your lawn or garden back with a custom plan that works.

Victoria’s best now in Vancouver.