How to Kill Goatheads & Sandburs
Puncturevine, also known as goathead because of the shape of the seed pod, and sandbur are two types of weed pests that produce burrs or spiked seed pods. The goathead is a vine seed that grows from germination to flower in as little as two weeks. The sandbur is a grass that grows well in dry sandy soils. To kill and control both pests, take precautions in the fall and limit the chance for seeds to spread when the weeds are recognized in your yard. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Fertilize the lawn to encourage growth of grass. Both the goathead and sandbur can be choked out by grasses as neither weed competes well with natural vegetation. Fertilize at least twice in the fall to ensure a good spring growth of grass.
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Bag all clippings when mowing. This traps seeds that otherwise would be introduced back into the ground. Dispose of the clippings in appropriate areas. Clippings may also be burned along with any pulled weeds if legal in your area.
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Use herbicides to kill the weeds. Use pre-emergent herbicides to control outbreaks of the two weeds in the spring. Once the growing season has started and goatheads or sandburs have been seen, use post-emergent liquid sprays for best results. Be careful using the herbicides and apply only to the pests to avoid creating dead spots in the lawn.
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Introduce the puncturevine weevil to control goatheads. The puncturevine weevil only eats puncturevine and will not interfere with any other plant. The weevil eats into the seed to lay its eggs. The larvae upon hatching eats the interior of the seeds as a food source, keeping the plant from spreading. Weevils alone will not remove goatheads from a lawn but are a means to keep it from spreading further.
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Tips & Warnings
Both puncturevine and sandbur will die off at the first fall frost. There is not need to use herbicides after the frost has occurred. However, remove dead plants, being careful not to open or spread seeds to limit the spread of the pest.
