Sandspur problem

[jfishenter]

Had a lady called yesterday with a severe sandspur problem. She stated that she had called several lawn care companys (including Chem Lawn) , and was told that ther wasn't much she could do about sandspurs, short of a complete lawn renovation. After doing a little research, I came up with the following plan of attack. First I suggested mowing as short as possible, and bagging the clippings to remove as many seed heads as possible. Then, since sandspurs are an annual "weed", apply a pre-emergent this fall to prevent germination in the spring. Arreate the lawn and apply a fall fertilizer to promote turf growth next spring. After green up next spring, apply a post emergent (maybe Vantage), and do a spring fertilazation. Any thoughts???

[Ric]

jfishenter

That is an awful lot of work for something that is very easy to get rid of.

Find a Certified Operator with a perm-a-green sprayer. Have him mix 0.5 oz of 41% Roundup Pro per gallon and spray it at 0.87 gal per thousand rate. No more sand spurs and you will not have to cut the grass for a couple of weeks.

Roundup was developed as a growth regulator and later found to be a herbicide at higher rates. At the above rate your will stunt the grass and kill sand spurs. But it will not kill the grass. No I didn't even ask you what type of grass it was on and really don't need too. However next time you ask a question please tell us what type of grass you have the weed in.

[oldslowpoke]

When to apply Roundup

I realize this reply is about three years late but I hope I get a reply.

What time of the year would you apply the roundup? The field is not cultivated or planted so I do not care if everything is killed. Please note that I am not a farmer by any means and have no knowledge of the occupation.

I live in mid South Carolina, and I have a three acre field that is now covered with Southern Sandspur. Last year I tried to burn the field with absolutely no success in eliminating the sandspur.
The plants were late producing the seed heads this year because of the lack of rain but they are now here in force. If I spray with roundup at this time that will not have any effect on the sandspur seeds, or will it?

Another question; I read that South Sandspur can be controlled somewhat in dense vegetation or a well managed pasture. Can someone recommend a crop that can be planted that would produce dense vegetation or another method of elimination of the pest.

Thanks