Sandbur control.

Question

Hello. Bret Misak here. We have a house in south central Kansas on ten acres. I have been fighting these sandbur for a couple years now. For the first year I sprayed round up all summer. Sounded like a good idea at the time. They were everywhere. This year I sprayed pre emergent triflurex early spring and mid summer. I have sprayed MSMA three times throughout this summer. The first time I mixed 2 Oz per gallon. Second time 3 Oz per gallon. Third time 4 Oz per gallon. Every time it appears they have died. They turn yellow and brown and look like they are really dead. A month later the plant starts turning green and growing again. It’s unbelievable. Driving me crazy. Is there any other chemicals to use that may work better or am I maybe mixing my chemicals wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would like to over seed it all to Bermuda in the spring but then I can’t do the pre emergent.

Answer 1

I would try to pour boiling water directly on the plant and root zones. This is a sure way to kill them and the seeds on contact. You will have to continue doing this as they emerge to kill them all off. This will ensure that you do not have to use chemical means.

Here is an article for more information on the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/controlling-sandbur-weeds.htm