Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Sticker weeds can spread quickly due to seeds attaching to wildlife fur or dispersing with the weather. Common types of weed causing grass burrs include burr weed and grassburs. These winter weeds germinate in late fall and grow throughout winter, producing stickers or grass burrs in late spring or early summer.
The seed heads of these weeds harden towards the beginning of summer and form stickers or grass burrs. These spikey seed pods are not just painful when stepped on, but also problematic for pets, whose fur can carry these burrs and further disseminate the weed seeds.
Eradication of stickers, burrs and weeds in your yard can be achieved through various methods like hand-pulling, raking, mowing, using natural remedies or herbicides. Applying herbicides such as Speed Zone or MSM can kill the growing weeds before they form seed heads and stickers. However, if the weeds have already matured and set seeds, the herbicide may kill the plant, but the sticker will still form.
For larger yards or persistent weed problems, consider hiring a professional landscaping service. They have the tools and knowledge to help eradicate the weed problem and can also provide valuable suggestions for maintaining a weed-free yard.
Preventing the germination of weed in the first place is the most effective strategy. Using pre-emergent herbicides in the fall can prevent the seeds from germinating. Regular lawn maintenance practices such as mowing it slightly less frequently, proper fertilization and irrigation, underscoring the importance of removing sticker plants as soon as they appear, can also help in weed control.
If the problem is specifically with grassburs or sandburs, they thrive in heat and sandy soils but can survive other soil types as well. They are known irritants to both humans and pets. By mowing your lawn frequently and using a mower bag, you can prevent the spread of these burrs. You can use a post-emergent herbicide like MSMA between May and July. However, be aware of its potential harm to children and pets.
If you prefer environmentally friendly solutions, you may consider using Orange Oil as a weed killer. Fertilizing your lawn after any herbicide treatment promotes healthy grass growth, hence preventing the resurgence of weeds. Keep in mind to always mow consistently to maintain the grass at an optimum height for preventing weed growth.
The best strategy for controlling weeds and their irritating stickers or burrs involves a combination of immediate removal, regular lawn maintenance, focus on prevention through use of pre-emergent herbicides, early treatment of any weed outgrowth, and choosing lawn-friendly practices.
