Foxtail is a common grassy weed that quickly takes over lawns and gardens. Its bristled seed heads are particularly concerning because they pose a physical danger to pets and livestock. Eliminating an infestation and preventing its return requires a targeted approach combining proper identification, timely removal, and ongoing maintenance strategies.
Identifying Foxtail and Its Life Cycle
Foxtail species are distinguished by their bristly, cylindrical seed heads that resemble a fox’s tail. Common varieties include yellow, green, and giant foxtail, which are summer annual grasses. These weeds grow from seed each spring and die after the first frost, but not before dropping hundreds of seeds. Germination begins once soil temperatures consistently reach or exceed 65°F, typically from mid-spring through early summer.
Identifying the plant early, before it produces a seed head, is important for effective control. Yellow foxtail often has long, sparse hairs at the base of the leaf blade, while green foxtail generally has hairless leaves. The danger comes from the barbed awns on mature seed heads, which attach to fur and clothing. These sharp barbs can burrow into an animal’s skin, paws, ears, or nasal passages, potentially causing severe infections and abscesses.
Non-Chemical Removal Strategies
For small, localized infestations, manual removal is an effective non-chemical option. Pull the plant when it is young and the soil is moist to ensure the entire root system is extracted. If the weed has already developed a seed head, bag the entire plant for disposal to avoid spreading seeds across the landscape.
Cultural practices help manage foxtail by creating an environment where the weed cannot thrive. Mowing the lawn at a higher setting, typically between 3 and 4 inches, encourages dense turfgrass growth. This density shades the soil surface, blocking the sunlight foxtail seeds require to germinate. Planting ground covers or desirable plants close together also reduces the bare soil available for foxtail to colonize.
Avoid excessive soil disturbance, such as aggressive tilling or hoeing, in areas where foxtail has been present. Tilling brings dormant seeds to the surface, encouraging new germination. Applying a thick layer of organic mulch in garden beds suppresses germination by blocking light and creating a physical barrier.
Selecting and Applying Herbicides
Chemical control depends on the weed’s life stage, requiring a distinction between pre-emergent and post-emergent products. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from sprouting and are the primary defense against summer annual foxtail. These products must be applied in early spring before soil temperatures reach the 65°F germination threshold.
Active ingredients like prodiamine, pendimethalin, and dithiopyr are commonly used, forming a chemical barrier at the soil surface. Correct timing is essential; if applied too late, the herbicide will not stop seeds that have already begun to sprout. This preventative approach will not affect established weeds from previous seasons.
For foxtail plants that have already emerged, a post-emergent herbicide is necessary, depending on the application area. Selective herbicides, such as those containing fenoxaprop-p-ethyl or quinclorac, kill grassy weeds like foxtail without harming surrounding turfgrass. Non-selective herbicides, such as glyphosate, kill nearly all vegetation they contact and should only be used in non-lawn areas like cracks in pavement or bare ground.
When applying any herbicide, safety precautions like wearing protective equipment and keeping pets and people off the treated area until it is completely dry are necessary. Post-emergent treatments are most effective on young, actively growing foxtail, before the plant develops its mature seed head. Consult the product label for specific application rates, temperature ranges, and restrictions regarding turfgrass type.
Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance
Maintaining a healthy, dense turf or landscape is the most effective long-term defense against foxtail’s return. A thick stand of grass naturally crowds out weed seedlings, minimizing the open space and sunlight they need to establish themselves. Regular aeration and annual overseeding of bare or thin areas help promote this density.
Proper nutrient management also plays a role in prevention. Foxtail often thrives in soils with high nitrogen levels, so apply a balanced fertilizer according to soil test recommendations. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages deeper root growth in the grass, making it more resilient against weed encroachment.
Consistent mowing, especially in late spring and early summer, helps prevent surviving plants from producing mature seed heads. Since foxtail seeds are the source of future infestations, preventing seed drop is crucial. Creating a vigorous, competitive landscape reduces the opportunity for foxtail to gain a foothold in subsequent growing seasons.