How to Get Rid of Spiny Burrgrass

Spiny burrgrass (Cenchrus spinifex Cav), also called sandbur, grows in many areas of the country. It emerges in the summer months and produces sharp burrs at the top of long stalks that last until fall. It is a heavy seeder and, if left untreated, will return each year in ever-increasing numbers. Getting rid of spiny burrgrass requires the use of herbicides.

Things You'll Need

• Lawn mower with grass catcher
• Herbicide containing MSMA
• Pre-emergent herbicide

Instructions

1. Attach a grass catcher onto a lawn mower and mow the area of infestation to height of 2 or 3 inches. Empty the grass clippings into the trash to prevent distribution of seeds.

2. Fill a garden sprayer with an herbicide containing MSMA as the main ingredient and spray all of the remaining spiny burrgrass with the herbicide until they are saturated. Spray the weeds as soon after cutting the area as possible so that the herbicide is absorbed by the stems before they form calluses.

3. Wait until early spring, typically around March, and apply a pre-emergent herbicide to the entire area where spiny burrgrass was present the prior year. Use the amount of herbicide specified on the package. Application of the pre-emergent herbicide will prevent any remaining seeds from germinating and growing into mature plants.

4. Apply a second application of the pre-emergent herbicide to the area, using the same amounts, in June.

Tips & Warnings

• Typically, you must apply herbicide for two consecutive years before total eradication of spiny burrgrass is achieved.

References

• University of Texas at Austin: Native Plant Database
• Purdue Extension; Sandbur Control in Lawns; March 2011
• Plant Answers; Sand Burs; Calvin Finch et. al.; August 2003