Quck answer
Sand spurs, also known as sand burrs, are invasive plants that can be a nuisance in lawns and gardens. To effectively kill sand spurs, follow these steps:
1. Identify the problem areas: Look for patches of sand spurs in your lawn or garden.
2. Remove existing sand spurs: Wear gloves and use a rake or hoe to carefully remove any visible sand spurs.
3. Prevent future growth: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent new sand spurs from germinating.
4. Improve soil conditions: Sand spurs thrive in poor soil, so improve the soil quality by adding organic matter and nutrients.
5. Regular maintenance: Keep your lawn and garden well-maintained by mowing regularly and removing any weeds promptly.
By following these steps, you can effectively kill sand spurs and prevent their regrowth in your lawn or garden.
Sand spurs, also known as sandburs, grass burrs, and stickers, are plants that produce burrs that can cause pain. These weeds grow in sandy and dry soils in sunny areas during the summer. The seeds of sand spurs have sharp spines that can get stuck in skin, clothes, fur, and paws, allowing them to spread to new areas. Sand spurs are considered noxious weeds in 45 states, but there are steps you can take to make your yard free of stickers and safe to walk on barefoot.
Remove Them Manually
Sand spur plants can be easily pulled out from damp soil, but it is important to wear thick work gloves to protect your skin from the sharp spines. Hand-pulling is usually effective for small patches. Mowing large areas infested with sand spurs once or twice a week can help remove the seed heads before they mature and fall to the ground to germinate. Make sure to use a clippings catcher on your mower to prevent the seeds from dropping, drying out, and becoming a hazard in your grass.
Encourage Healthy Grass Growth
Sand spurs thrive in full sun and in soils with low nitrogen levels. By following proper watering, fertilizing, and mowing practices, you can promote the growth of dense grass that will shade out the weeds. Mow your grass to a height of 4 inches and allow it to slightly wilt before giving it no more than 1/2 inch of water. Fertilize your lawn with 1 pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet. Apply the fertilizer in late spring for warm-season grasses and in early spring and fall for cool-season grasses. If sand spurs start appearing around ornamental plants, spread a layer of organic mulching material that is 2 to 3 inches thick to smother the weeds and prevent their seeds from germinating.
Use Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is a natural herbicide that can effectively control sand spurs if applied before the seeds germinate, which typically occurs when the soil temperature reaches about 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, corn gluten meal contains about 10 percent nitrogen, which can promote the growth of healthy grass. Avoid using corn gluten meal in areas where you have recently seeded or plan to plant seeds, as it prevents all seeds from germinating.
Treat your lawn with corn gluten meal granules in early spring and late summer. Use a rotary spreader to evenly apply 20 pounds of meal per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Lightly water the area immediately after application. Repeat this process for two to three years until the weed problem is resolved.
Apply Postemergent Herbicide
If you are unable to remove the sand spurs manually and they have already started growing, look for a postemergent herbicide that contains MSDMA to eliminate young and actively growing weeds. Many brands offer ready-to-spray formulations that simplify the mixing and application process, but be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Apply the herbicide on moist soil, and refrain from watering your lawn for at least 24 hours after treatment. If it does not rain within seven days, give your lawn at least 1/2 inch of water. Avoid mowing the area 48 hours before and after treatment.
Before using an MSDMA-based herbicide, it is important to check the label to ensure that your type of grass is listed as safe for use. It is not recommended to use MSDMA on St. Augustine grass or centipede grasses, as it may cause damage or kill the lawn. However, MSDMA can be safely used on Bermuda grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass, although it may temporarily turn the blades yellow. It should be noted that Bermuda grass can be invasive in certain areas.
Safety Precautions
When spraying herbicides, it is advisable to choose calm days to prevent the chemicals from being blown onto desirable plants. It is also important to avoid using grass clippings treated with herbicide as mulch in vegetable or flower gardens. To reduce the risk of chemical exposure, it is recommended to wear waterproof gloves, a face mask, protective clothing, and goggles when mixing or spraying herbicides. Additionally, it is crucial to keep people and pets out of the treatment area until the spray has completely dried.
