Controlling Grassy Sandbur

Grassy sandbur is the “sticker” plant that looks like a grass. It will often invade thin lawns, especially in dry years. Therefore, the best control for this weed is a thick, healthy lawn. However, if your lawn is thin this spring and grassy sandbur was a problem last year, use a preemergence herbicide before the sandbur comes up. However, not all preemergence herbicides are effective. The two products that can help minimize grassy sandbur contain pendimethalin.  
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Pendimethalin is sold commercially as Pendulum as well as several other names. On the homeowner side, it is sold as Scotts Halts. Pendimethalin is best applied as a split application with the first half applied about April 15 and the second about June 1. Alternatively, make the first application when redbud trees approach full bloom and the second six weeks later.

The “weed preventers” will not give complete control but should help. Quinclorac (Drive) can provide some postemergence control especially if the sandbur is in the seedling stage. Quinclorac is also found in a number of combination products that control both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass such as one of the following.

            Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max + Crabgrass Control
            BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer.
            Monterey Crab-E-Rad Plus
            Fertilome Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer
            Trimec Crabgrass Plus Lawn Weed Killer
            Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass & Broadleaf Weed Killer
            Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer

Again, the best control for grassy sandbur is a healthy, thick lawn. (Ward Upham)

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