The first step towards managing stickers or weed burrs in your yard is understanding what they are. Stickers or burr weeds, including grassburs and burweeds, can rapidly spread in your yard, making them a nuisance. They are common in dry states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona and are notorious for thriving in various types of soil, including sandy ones.
Being winter weeds, they germinate in the fall, grow in late winter and early spring, and form seed heads that become stickers as the plant dies in late spring and early summer.
Dealing with sticker weeds requires a preventive measure and aggressive action. The best time to combat stickers is before they develop into mature plants. Once they have matured and formed stickers, the options for removal become limited. To prevent stickers from taking over your yard, it is best to use pre-emergence in the fall to stop the seeds from germinating.
You can get rid of stickers in your yard using several methods. These include pulling the weeds by hand, raking them up, using a lawn mower, applying natural remedies, using heat, and using herbicides. Herbicides such as Speed Zone or MSM can kill the burr weed before it forms seed heads. However, it is vital to note that killing the plant after the seed head develops will not prevent the formation of stickers.
Sticker weeds pose a risk to pets, particularly dogs running around the yard. The weeds' sharp spines can puncture paws, causing discomfort and even injuries. Vigilant yard care is therefore essential not just for the sake of your yard's appearance, but also for the well-being of your pets.
Preventive measures can keep sticker weeds from invading your yard. These may include using pre-emergent herbicides, cutting your yard less frequently, and removing sticker plants as soon as they appear. Mowing regularly is vital, keeping grass burrs at bay. Moreover, correct timing of herbicide application is crucial for successful control of sticker weeds.
While DIY methods can manage sticker weeds, persistent weed problems may require professional assistance. Professional landscaping companies, yard cleanup services, and weed control services have the tools and expertise to effectively eliminate these stubborn weeds and prevent them from growing back.
Alternative eco-friendly solutions for managing sticker weeds are worth considering. Organic options like Orange Oil can be a viable alternative to synthetic chemicals that may harm the environment. Remember to prioritize the safety of your loved ones, pets included, when dealing with harmful chemicals in weed killers.
Loose stickers scattered across your yard can be a challenge to manage. However, frequent lawn maintenance, which includes raking and mowing, can help collect and get rid of these pesky problems.