Botanist - FarmTilling

The best herbicide for sandburs must effectively target both the foliage and root system to prevent regrowth and seed production. Sandburs (Cenchrus spp.), also known as sandspurs or grass burrs, are troublesome weeds that thrive in sandy soils, lawns, and disturbed areas. Their spiny burs can cause discomfort to humans and animals, making them a significant nuisance. This guide evaluates the most effective herbicides for controlling sandburs, focusing on their active ingredients, application methods, and suitability for different environments. Whether you are managing a lawn, pasture, or recreational area, this article will help you choose the right herbicide for sandbur control. 10 Best Herbicides for Sandburs 1. Image Kills Sandbur – Imazaquin Herbicide Image Kills Sandbur is a specialized herbicide designed to target sandburs in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, imazaquin, inhibits weed growth by disrupting amino acid synthesis, effectively killing sandburs without harming most turfgrass species. Ortho Nutsedge Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray, 32 fl oz - Packaging may vary $20.49 ($0.64 / Fl Oz) Apply Image Kills Sandbur at a rate of 1.5-2.5 ounces per gallon of water per 1,000 sq ft. For best results, apply during the early growth stage of sandburs. Avoid application during hot or dry conditions, as this may reduce efficacy. University trials have shown that Image Kills Sandbur achieves 90-95% control of sandburs when applied correctly. Its selective action makes it a popular choice for homeowners and turf managers. 2. Atrazine – Pre- and Post-Emergent Herbicide Atrazine is a versatile herbicide that provides both pre- and post-emergent control of sandburs. Its active ingredient targets the root system of sandburs, preventing regrowth and seed production. Atrazine is particularly effective in warm-season turfgrass like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass. Southern Ag Atrazine St. Augustine Grass Weed Killer, 1 Gallon Apply Atrazine at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides long-lasting control. Use caution near desirable plants, as Atrazine can persist in the soil. Field trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of sandburs with Atrazine. Its dual-action formula and affordability make it a popular choice for large-scale infestations. 3. Roundup Pro Max – Glyphosate Herbicide Roundup Pro Max is a non-selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandburs in non-crop areas and spot treatments. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, targets the entire plant, including the roots, ensuring complete control. RoundUp Promax 1.67 Gallon Jug Apply Roundup Pro Max at a rate of 22-44 fluid ounces per acre during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides quick results. Use caution near desirable plants, as glyphosate is non-selective. Field trials have shown 95% control of sandburs with Roundup Pro Max. Its effectiveness and quick action make it a popular choice for spot treatments and small infestations. 4. Sedgehammer – Halosulfuron-methyl Herbicide Sedgehammer is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandburs in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, halosulfuron-methyl, targets the root system of sandburs, preventing regrowth and seed production. Sedgehammer Herbicide - 1 Pack of 1.33oz Bottle of USA-Made Post-Emergent Nutsedge Killer for Lawns - Lawn & Pet Safe Weed Killer for Commerical & Large Area Use - Also Works on Horsetail & Kyllinga Apply Sedgehammer at a rate of 0.9 grams per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Sedgehammer is safe for use around most turfgrass species. University trials have demonstrated 90% control of sandburs with Sedgehammer. Its selective action and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing sandburs in sensitive environments. 5. Drive XLR8 – Quinclorac Herbicide Drive XLR8 is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandburs in warm-season turfgrass like Bermuda grass. Its active ingredient, quinclorac, targets the foliage and root system of sandburs, ensuring complete control. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf, Post Emergent Grassy & Broadleaf Weed Control, Active Ingredient Quinclorac, 30 Day Residual, Herbicide, Concentrate 64 Ounce $74.99 ($1.17 / Fl Oz) Apply Drive XLR8 at a rate of 1.1-2.2 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Drive XLR8 is safe for use around most turfgrass species. Field trials have shown 85-90% control of sandburs with Drive XLR8. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers. 6. Tenacity – Mesotrione Herbicide Tenacity is a selective herbicide that provides both pre- and post-emergent control of sandburs. Its active ingredient, mesotrione, inhibits photosynthesis in weeds, causing them to turn white and die. Tenacity is particularly effective in cool-season turfgrass like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide - Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Control, 8-oz. Liquid Weed Killer for Lawns and Turf Grasses, Active Ingredient Mesotrione Herbicide $69.99 ($8.75 / Fl Oz) Apply Tenacity at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Tenacity is safe for use around most turfgrass species. University trials have demonstrated 90% control of sandburs with Tenacity. Its dual-action formula and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing sandburs in sensitive environments. 7. Specticle – Indaziflam Herbicide Specticle is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides long-lasting control of sandburs. Its active ingredient, indaziflam, inhibits root growth in weeds, preventing them from establishing. Specticle is particularly effective in warm-season turfgrass like Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass. Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer Concentrate 1 Gallon, Use On Patios, Walkways And Driveways Apply Specticle at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft before sandburs emerge. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Specticle is safe for use around most turfgrass species. Field trials have shown 95% control of sandburs with Specticle. Its long-lasting residual activity makes it a popular choice for preventing sandbur infestations. 8. Revolver – Foramsulfuron Herbicide Revolver is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandburs in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, foramsulfuron, targets the foliage and root system of sandburs, ensuring complete control.B00EQUN5XO Revolver Herbicide, 1 Quart Apply Revolver at a rate of 1.5-2.5 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Revolver is safe for use around most turfgrass species. University trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of sandburs with Revolver. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers. 9. Certainty – Sulfosulfuron Herbicide Certainty is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandburs in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, sulfosulfuron, targets the foliage and root system of sandburs, ensuring complete control. Certainty Herbicide for Turf and Lawns 1.25 oz $134.00 ($107.20 / Ounce) Apply Certainty at a rate of 0.75-1.25 ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Certainty is safe for use around most turfgrass species. Field trials have shown 85-90% control of sandburs with Certainty. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers. 10. Dismiss – Sulfentrazone Herbicide Dismiss is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandburs in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, sulfentrazone, targets the foliage and root system of sandburs, ensuring complete control. Sulfentrazone 4SC Herbicide (Dismiss) (6 Ounces) Apply Dismiss at a rate of 4-8 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandburs. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Dismiss is safe for use around most turfgrass species. University trials have demonstrated 90% control of sandburs with Dismiss. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers. Buyer’s Tips for Sandbur Herbicides Identify Growth Stage Apply Sandbur Herbicide during the early growth stage for best results. Choose the Right Herbicide Select Sandbur Herbicide based on the application site – lawn, pasture, or non-crop areas. Use Proper Adjuvants Add non-ionic surfactant to Sandbur Herbicide sprays for better leaf absorption. Follow Label Rates Measure Sandbur Herbicide carefully – over-application can harm desirable plants. Consider Soil Residual Choose Sandbur Herbicide with soil residual activity for long-term control. Rotate Modes of Action Alternate Sandbur Herbicide chemistry to prevent resistance development. Monitor for Regrowth Follow up with additional Sandbur Herbicide applications if regrowth occurs. Conclusion For most sandbur infestations, Image Kills Sandbur and Atrazine provide the most effective control due to their selective and residual activity. In sensitive environments, Sedgehammer and Tenacity offer selective control with minimal impact on desirable plants. Always apply Sandbur Herbicide during the early growth stage and follow up with proper monitoring to ensure long-term control.