Prevent Sandspur Burs from Taking Over

Sandspur weeds, also called sandbur or burgrass, are unpleasant to find in any location, but these prickly weeds are best kept as far away from your home as possible. To avoid having to kill off these summer annual weeds or try to dig the plants up by hand, apply a pre-emergent weed preventer that is labeled for use against sandspur and for use on your turf type. Sandspur goes by several names, and some products may only use one name, so be careful to check for mention of sandspur, sandbur, or burgrass when checking product compatibility.

You can stop sandspur weeds from germinating with a pre-emergent weed preventer. Products with the active ingredients dithiopyr and pendimethalin work well for keeping this irritating weed from getting a foothold on your property.

Pre-emergents should be applied in the early spring and again in the late fall to prevent sandbur germination and avoid the spread of painful burs that follows when sandbur weeds mature. The timing of your weed preventer applications is important. Many weed preventers will include a recommendation for when to apply that is based on the soil temperature in your treatment area. Always read the label instructions completely, as they may include mowing or watering recommendations that can help you get the best results from every application, or limitations around treating new turf or sod.

Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when mixing or applying any herbicide. This should include gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes and socks.

Another tactic for sandspur prevention is to use a home soil test kit to learn about what nutrients your soil is rich with or lacking. Sandburs prefer nutrient-deficient soil. With the results from a soil test kit, you may be able to make your lawn less hospitable to sandspur and other weeds with the use of fertilizers or soil amendments.

Maintaining well-balanced soil will also benefit the health of your turfgrass and contribute to a healthier lawn, overall. When your turf has the nutrients and water it needs to grow strong, it can better defend itself against sandspur and other invasive weeds that may compete for sunlight and water.