7 Ways to Get Rid of Creeping Buttercup from Your Lawn in Vancouver, BC

Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is one of the most persistent and aggressive lawn weeds in Vancouver’s damp, coastal climate. It spreads fast by runners (stolons), thrives in wet or compacted soil, and can choke out healthy turf in just one growing season. If you’re seeing shiny green leaves and yellow flowers creeping through your lawn, it’s time to take action—before your grass disappears.

At Ascent Yard Care, we help homeowners across Greater Vancouver eliminate creeping buttercup and restore thick, green lawns. Below are 7 proven ways to get rid of creeping buttercup from your lawn, based on years of hands-on experience.

1. 

Dig It Out by the Roots

For small patches, manual removal can be effective if done thoroughly.

• Use a flat shovel or weeding knife
• Dig under the entire root system, including stolons
• Remove any surrounding soil containing root fragments
• Bag and dispose (never compost)

Pro Tip: Pull weeds after rain—moist soil helps you get the whole root.

2. 

Apply a Selective Lawn-Safe Herbicide

Creeping buttercup has thick, waxy leaves that resist many herbicides, so timing and product choice matter. At Ascent Yard Care, we use selective, turf-safe herbicides that:

• Won’t harm your lawn
• Target broadleaf weeds like buttercup
• Penetrate leaf coatings for root-level control

Best time to spray: Spring or early summer when buttercup is actively growing.

3. 

Topdress and Overseed Thin Lawn Areas

Creeping buttercup loves bare patches and thin turf. The fix?

• Spread high-quality compost or topsoil over affected areas
• Overseed with a vigorous grass blend suited for Vancouver (e.g. ryegrass, fescue)
• Water deeply and infrequently to promote strong roots

Thick, healthy turf will choke out buttercup naturally.

4. 

Aerate Your Lawn to Improve Drainage

Creeping buttercup thrives in wet, compacted soils. If your lawn stays soggy, it’s an open invitation for weeds.

• Aerate your lawn in spring or fall
• Fill holes with sand or compost to improve structure
• Combine with overseeding for better results

Healthier soil equals healthier grass—and fewer weeds.

5. 

Raise Your Mowing Height

Cutting your lawn too short gives weeds a competitive edge. For buttercup-prone lawns:

• Mow to 3 inches or higher
• Sharpen your mower blades regularly
• Remove only the top third of the grass blade at a time

Longer grass shades out buttercup seedlings and builds a stronger root system.

6. 

Fix Drainage Issues and Avoid Overwatering

Overwatering and poor drainage are two major causes of buttercup infestations. To fix this:

• Water deeply once or twice per week (not daily)
• Fix low spots and compaction
• Improve slope or install drainage if needed

Buttercup doesn’t like dry, well-structured soil—your lawn does.

7. 

Let the Pros Handle It

If creeping buttercup has spread across your entire lawn, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Ascent Yard Care, we offer:

• Lawn-safe herbicide treatments
• Compost topdressing and aeration
• Overseeding with local grass blends
• Ongoing weed control and seasonal care

We restore lawns quickly, cleanly, and without cutting corners. Let us help you get back to a healthy, weed-free lawn you’re proud of.

Serving All of Greater Vancouver

We provide lawn weed control services in:

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

Reclaim Your Lawn from Creeping Buttercup

Don’t wait until your grass is completely overtaken. With the right strategy—and the right team—you can eliminate creeping buttercup and restore your lawn for good.