Sandspurs! Help!!?
Question:I live in Florida and during the summetime my yard is covered with sandspurs! Is there anything I can do? I have 2 acres so hand weeding each one is kinda impossible.
Answers:
Assuming that you're talking about "Goat heads" or "Puncturevines".once the seedlings emerge, it's best to pull them before they form the heads and then place them in the trash. Their seeds are viable up to 20 years in the soil.
There are several ways to prevent them from becoming a problem in your yard;
1) Pre-emergent herbicides containing oryzalin or trifluralin applied in spring (April 1) will kill seedlings as they germinate during summer. You can probably find either of these chemicals at one of your local hardware stores.
2) In some areas, people are using propane torch burners to burn/destroy the seedlings AND the seedheads. However, this may not be the safest way to control them unless you have permission from your local fire department in advance.
3) There are currently some seed-feeding weevils (Microlarinus lareynii) and crown-feeding weevils (Microlarinus lypriformis) that can be purchased over the internet. Although they're somewhat expensive (~$75/container of 250 weevils which treats one acre) they are very effective in controlling this horrible weed. I've seen areas where the weevils have been applied and they do a wonderful job eliminating the weeds by boring into the heads and eating the seed. These weevils don't pose a problem to other plants.
In your case, having 2 acres, I would recommend purchasing the weevils...since it will be easier, safer and less time-consuming.
Hope this information was of some help. GOOD LUCK!
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a degree in Plant Science
Mowing is your best bet. Try putting down zoysia grass plugs. Good luck!
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