The best herbicide for sandspurs must effectively target both the foliage and root system to prevent regrowth and seed production.
Sandspurs (Cenchrus spp.), also known as sandburs or grass burrs, are notorious 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 sandspurs, 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 sandspur control.
10 Best Herbicides for Sandspurs
1. Image Kills Sandspur – Imazaquin Herbicide
Image Kills Sandspur is a specialized herbicide designed to target sandspurs in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, imazaquin, inhibits weed growth by disrupting amino acid synthesis, effectively killing sandspurs without harming most turfgrass species.
- For use on Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St Augustinegrass, and other listed grasses"
- Kills really tough, hard-to-kill weeds in lawns including dandelion, dollar weed, crabgrass and others listed
Apply Image Kills Sandspur 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 sandspurs. Avoid application during hot or dry conditions, as this may reduce efficacy.
University trials have shown that Image Kills Sandspur achieves 90-95% control of sandspurs 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 sandspurs. Its active ingredient targets the root system of sandspurs, preventing regrowth and seed production. Atrazine is particularly effective in warm-season turfgrass like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass.
- This selective weed killer controls Henbit, Clover, Chickweed and more. See label for full list.
- Intended for use on St. Augustine and Centipedegrass.
Apply Atrazine at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs 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 sandspurs in non-crop areas and spot treatments. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, targets the entire plant, including the roots, ensuring complete control.
- Protect gardens, lawns and landscaping with quality herbicides
- Roundup Pro is ideal for trim and edge applications, turf renovation, weeding shrub beds and removing brush and vines.
Apply Roundup Pro Max at a rate of 22-44 fluid ounces per acre during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs 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 sandspurs in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, halosulfuron-methyl, targets the root system of sandspurs, preventing regrowth and seed production.
- Sedgehammer Herbicide is for use in established lawns, ornamental turfgrass, and landscape areas; Can also be applied in residential turf, other non-crop sites including: airports, cemetaries, fallow areas, golf courses, landscaped areas, public recreation areas, residential property, roadsides, school grounds, sod or turf seed farms, sports fields, fairgrounds, race tracks, tennis courts, campgrounds, and rights-of-way
- Controls nutsedge by moving through the plant and affecting the underground growing points (rhizomes and tubers)
Apply Sedgehammer at a rate of 0.9 grams per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs with Sedgehammer. Its selective action and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing sandspurs in sensitive environments.
5. Drive XLR8 – Quinclorac Herbicide
Drive XLR8 is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandspurs in warm-season turfgrass like Bermuda grass. Its active ingredient, quinclorac, targets the foliage and root system of sandspurs, ensuring complete control.
- Water-Based Formulation: Experience the power of our unique water-based formulation that ensures superior control and faster plant uptake, delivering results you can see quickly
- Extended Residual Control: Enjoy up to 30 days of residual control, keeping your turfgrass free from troublesome weeds for longer periods and reducing the need for frequent applications; Rainfast in less than an hour
Apply Drive XLR8 at a rate of 1.1-2.2 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs 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 sandspurs. 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.
- Tenacity is a systemic pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide for the selective contact and residual control of weeds in turfgrasses.
- When applied as a pre-emergent, weeds absorb Tenacity during emergence from the soil.
Apply Tenacity at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs with Tenacity. Its dual-action formula and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing sandspurs in sensitive environments.
7. Specticle – Indaziflam Herbicide
Specticle is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides long-lasting control of sandspurs. 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.
Apply Specticle at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft before sandspurs 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 sandspurs with Specticle. Its long-lasting residual activity makes it a popular choice for preventing sandspur infestations.
8. Revolver – Foramsulfuron Herbicide
Revolver is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sandspurs in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, foramsulfuron, targets the foliage and root system of sandspurs, ensuring complete control.
- Postemergence control of cool-season grasses in warm-season turf
- Goosegrass control and dallisgrass suppression, Different mode of action for resistance management
Apply Revolver at a rate of 1.5-2.5 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs 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 sandspurs in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, sulfosulfuron, targets the foliage and root system of sandspurs, ensuring complete control.
- Certainty Turf Herbicide is a selective, post-emergent herbicide that controls labeled weeds in residential and commercial turf.
- Combined with a non-ionic surfactant, Certainty Turf Herbicide attacks nutsedge through broadcast applications or spot treatments.
Apply Certainty at a rate of 0.75-1.25 ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs 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 sandspurs in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, sulfentrazone, targets the foliage and root system of sandspurs, ensuring complete control.
- Formulated to help achieve faster visible sedge control
- Penetrates the soil and helps to control sedge tubers to prevent future outbreaks
Apply Dismiss at a rate of 4-8 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of sandspurs. 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 sandspurs with Dismiss. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.
Buyer’s Tips for Sandspur Herbicides
Identify Growth Stage
Apply Sandspur Herbicide during the early growth stage for best results.
Choose the Right Herbicide
Select Sandspur Herbicide based on the application site – lawn, pasture, or non-crop areas.
Use Proper Adjuvants
Add non-ionic surfactant to Sandspur Herbicide sprays for better leaf absorption.
Follow Label Rates
Measure Sandspur Herbicide carefully – over-application can harm desirable plants.
Consider Soil Residual
Choose Sandspur Herbicide with soil residual activity for long-term control.
Rotate Modes of Action
Alternate Sandspur Herbicide chemistry to prevent resistance development.
Monitor for Regrowth
Follow up with additional Sandspur Herbicide applications if regrowth occurs.
Best Herbicide For Sandspurs FAQs
1. What is the best herbicide to kill sandspurs without harming grass?
The best selective herbicide for sandspurs that won’t harm most turfgrasses is MSMA (Monosodium Methanearsonate), although it’s restricted in some areas. Other effective options include Ortho Weed B Gon and Image Herbicide with Atrazine, which work well on sandspurs while preserving common warm-season grasses.
2. When is the best time to apply herbicide for sandspurs?
The most effective time to apply herbicide for sandspurs is early spring (pre-emergent) before seeds germinate, or late spring to early summer (post-emergent) when young plants are actively growing. This helps disrupt their life cycle before they spread.
3. Are there organic or natural herbicides for controlling sandspurs?
Organic solutions like vinegar-based herbicides or corn gluten meal may offer limited control, but they are less effective than synthetic options. Consistent mowing, pulling, and soil improvement are better natural alternatives for reducing sandspur presence.
4. Can I use pre-emergent herbicides for sandspur control?
Yes, pre-emergent herbicides like Pendimethalin (found in products like Scotts Halts) or Prodiamine (e.g., Barricade) are excellent at stopping sandspurs before they sprout. Apply in early spring, just before soil temperatures reach 55°F.
5. Will herbicides for sandspurs kill other weeds too?
Many herbicides formulated for sandspurs also target a broad range of grassy and broadleaf weeds, so always check the label for turf safety and target species. Selective herbicides are ideal if you want to avoid harming your lawn.
6. How long does it take for herbicides to work on sandspurs?
Most post-emergent herbicides take 7 to 21 days to show visible effects, including wilting, yellowing, and plant death. Pre-emergents prevent germination but don’t kill existing sandspurs, so timing and patience are key.
7. How do I prevent sandspurs from coming back after using herbicide?
To prevent regrowth, combine herbicide use with consistent mowing, removing seed heads, improving soil fertility, and applying pre-emergents annually. Sandspurs thrive in sandy, low-nutrient soils, so thick, healthy turf can naturally crowd them out
Conclusion
For most sandspur infestations, Image Kills Sandspur 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 Sandspur Herbicide during the early growth stage and follow up with proper monitoring to ensure long-term control.
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