Sandbur
Grassburs are prickly weeds that grow in warm climates. Also, they particularly like sandy soils. They produce sharp, painful seeds. The seeds stick to skin, clothing, and pets. They make lawns uncomfortable to walk on. Not to mention, burs are difficult to remove. Managing them is important for maintaining a healthy, safe lawn.
Also Known As: Sandburs, Grassburs, Sticker Burrs/Burr Stickers, Pricking Monsters, Lawn/Grass Stickers.
Generally, these are all referring to the same nasty weed. Not to mention, they thrive in the heat and are prominently found in Bermuda and St. Augustine lawns.
Read more about Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass.
Sticker burrs are common in dry states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Read our “Weed Identification Guide” to learn how to identify Texas weeds.
Bur stickers love sandy soil, but they are able to survive in other types of soils as well. Additionally, depending on where the burrs are in their life cycle, treatment options differ.
If you have had to deal with grassburs before, you’ll enjoy this article that explains the most effective ways to eliminate them.
In summary, keeping your lawn watered properly will go a long way to eliminating stickers. For North Texas lawns, we have created this guide to help keep a good watering schedule – click here for a Lawn Watering Guide.
Water your lawn well after applying pre or post emergent herbicides. Treatments will not be effective without adequate water. The number one reason homeowners are unsuccessful in eliminating grassburs is because they did not water well enough after applying herbicides.
Even if you control and rid your lawn of all current grassbur plants, new plants will emerge next spring from the seeds that are currently in the soil.
Eliminating the grassburs in your lawn will take some time. Helping your grass stay healthy is easy with our Complete Lawn Care Schedule.
When a professional is needed in North Texas for lawn maintenance services, remember Ryno Lawn Care is here to assist you.
Q: What are grassburs, and why are they a problem?
A: Grassburs, also known as sandburs or sticker burrs, are annual summer weeds that produce sharp, prickly seeds. They invade lawns, pastures, and roadsides. They are painful if they get stuck in skin or clothing. They thrive in hot climates and sandy soils. Burs are common in states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Q: How can I prevent grassburs from growing in my lawn?
A: The most effective prevention method is applying a pre-emergent herbicide before the seeds germinate. Do this in early spring. Make sure your lawn is healthy and well-watered. Grassburs like to invade patchy, dry lawns.
Q: When should I apply pre-emergent herbicides to control grassburs?
A: In North Texas, it’s recommended to apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring. For heavily infested areas, apply every six weeks through September. For lighter infestations, two applications, six weeks apart, should suffice.
Q: What are the best post-emergent herbicides for grassburs?
A: MSMA and DSMA products are effective for treating young grassburs. Liquid post-emergent herbicides are generally more effective than dry ones. However, avoid using MSMA on St. Augustine lawns, as it will harm the grass.
Q: Can I use eco-friendly options to control grassburs?
A: Yes, orange oil is a popular eco-friendly alternative for controlling grassburs. Apply it as directed, typically between May and July.
Q: How does regular lawn care help in managing grassburs?
A: Maintaining a healthy lawn through regular watering and mowing significantly reduces grassbur infestations. A thick, well-watered lawn prevents grassburs from establishing. Burs prefer dry, sparse grass.
Q: Why is it important to mow with a bag when dealing with grassburs?
A: Mowing with a bag helps collect the grassbur seeds, preventing them from spreading. Lowering the mower height for a short-trimmed cut and mowing a couple of times a week initially will also help manage the spread of grassburs.
Q: What should I do after applying herbicides to ensure they work effectively?
A: It’s crucial to water your lawn well after applying any herbicides. Adequate water helps activate the herbicides and penetrate the soil to target the seeds or plants effectively.
Q: Can grassburs come back even after treatment?
A: Yes, grassbur seeds in the soil can sprout new plants in the following season. Continuous lawn care and regular applications of pre-emergent herbicides will help manage and reduce future infestations.
Q: Where can I find more tips on lawn care and weed prevention?
A: For more comprehensive lawn care tips, including a complete lawn care schedule and top herbicides for weed prevention, visit our Lawn Resources & Tips section.
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Thank you so much for all helpful ideas! I will be trying them on my yard 😉
FYI - I don't know about any other states but, MSMA is not supposed to be sold to retail customers/homeowners in Texas any more
I live in Irving, Tx and can get Target 6 plus delivered directly to me. It’s a powerful chemical and you have to be careful applying it. I have three lawns and the one with the burrs has to be killed out and start over.
I grew up on the Outer Banks of NC, specifically Frisco, on Hatteras Island. We found the easiest way to get rid of these things was to fertilize the hell out of your lawn. You could kill them early spring and keep them gone all year, but it will take a few years before they stop coming up altogether.
They do hate nice lawns.
I live in Utah, we have a very healthy lawn and my husband is anal about watering, but we still seem to get an abundance of these very painful little buggers. Any other suggestiosn
Nothing seems to work
Thank you for the helpful ways to take care of stickers and to have a healthier lawn.
I live in Barbados in the farming area we have then bad, my husband and I are digging them out and putting blankets down to catch them, then we will use a herbicides to kill the weeds so far so good
what kills sticker burrs
Which of these sticker removal tools (herbicides) are not dangerous to a small dog, ie a 12 lb dog
I read about a tool that would pick up burrs and now I can’t find it. If you see the ad please let me know. I am grooming dogs and horses daily trying to get the burrs off of them. Help!