The term “sticker burrs” in Texas most commonly refers to the painful, spiny seed heads of the grass known as field sandbur or grassbur (Cenchrus species). This invasive summer annual weed is notorious for its sharp, barbed burs that cause discomfort to people and pets and are difficult to remove from clothing. Sandburs thrive particularly well in thin, weak turf and sandy soil, making them a widespread problem across many Texas lawns. Controlling these prickly pests requires a multi-faceted strategy that targets the weed at every stage of its life cycle.
Identifying the Target and Timing Control
Field sandbur is primarily a warm-season annual grass that grows from seed each year. Understanding its germination window is the most important factor for effective eradication. Seeds begin to sprout when the soil temperature reaches approximately 52 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically occurs across Central Texas between March 1st and March 15th, slightly earlier in the south and later in North Texas.
This weed is difficult to manage because its germination period is extended, continuing from late spring throughout the summer months. Control measures must target the seed bank before initial spring germination. Timing herbicide application to create a protective barrier in the soil is more effective than trying to kill the mature, bur-producing plant later. The goal is to prevent the plant from establishing itself and producing a new crop of burs.
Physical Removal Techniques
While chemical control is effective for widespread infestations, physical removal offers an immediate, non-chemical solution for small areas or isolated plants. Hand-pulling is feasible for small patches, but thick gloves are necessary to protect hands from the sharp burs. The entire plant, including the roots, must be removed before the burs mature and drop their seeds.
For larger areas where burs have already formed, a simple technique involves using an old piece of carpet or a sturdy blanket. Dragging this material across the infested area causes the ripe burs to stick to the fabric, collecting them from the lawn. The carpet piece should be disposed of or replaced once saturated with burs to avoid spreading the seeds. Another method is to mow with a grass catcher bag installed, which collects developing seed heads before they are dispersed.
Chemical Control Strategies
The most efficient strategy for managing large sandbur infestations is the application of pre-emergent herbicides. These products establish a chemical barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. Active ingredients commonly used include prodiamine or pendimethalin, which are effective against annual grassy weeds like sandbur.
Application timing is critical for success, requiring application before the soil temperature reaches 52 degrees Fahrenheit. A first application is typically recommended between late February and mid-March in Central and South Texas. Because sandburs have a prolonged germination period lasting all summer, a second “booster” application is necessary 60 to 90 days after the first to maintain the protective barrier.
Post-emergent herbicides control plants that have already sprouted. These products are most effective when the sandbur plants are young and actively growing, but they become less effective once mature burs have formed. For homeowners, products containing imazaquin are the most accessible and effective post-emergent option. Caution must be exercised with powerful options like MSMA, which is effective on Bermuda and Zoysia grass but will severely injure or kill St. Augustine grass.
Cultural Practices for Long-Term Prevention
Long-term sandbur prevention relies on creating a healthy, dense turf that crowds out the opportunistic weed. Sandburs thrive in weak, thin turf and poor soil conditions, making turf health the best defense. Prevention begins with a soil test to determine nutrient balance and pH, allowing for proper fertilization that supports vigorous grass growth.
Proper watering techniques are essential for strengthening the lawn. Deep and infrequent irrigation encourages the grass to develop deep, robust roots. Conversely, frequent, shallow sprinkling keeps the soil surface moist, encouraging weed seed germination. Mowing at the correct height for the specific Texas turfgrass is important, as a higher cut helps the desirable grass shade the soil and suppress sandbur growth. Consistent cultural practices are the foundation for avoiding future infestations and reducing reliance on chemical treatments.