What Herbicide Kills Sand Spurs?

Sand spurs are summer annual weeds that germinate and mature each season. The fruits are felt in the fall, when it is too late to kill the plant using chemicals. Herbicides are not effective on sand spurs once they have bloomed in the fall. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide containing imazapic to the lawn in the spring, following the label directions, according to the University of Florida. Maintaining a healthy lawn will prevent sand spurs from forming.

Kill Sand Spurs

Sand spurs (Cenchrus spp.) Sand spur plants are easy to pull out of damp soil, but wear thick work gloves to protect your skin from the sharp spines. Use a clippings catcher on your mower so the seeds don't drop, dry out and becoming little land mines in your grass. If sand spurs start sprouting up around ornamental plants, lay down a 2- to 3- inch layer of organic mulching material to smother the weeds and prevent seeds from germinating. Immediately after application, lightly water area. Spray the herbicide on moist soil, but don't water your lawn for at least 24 hours following treatment. Before using an MSDMA-based herbicide, make sure your type of grass is listed on the label as safe for use. USDA zones 6 through 9) and buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides, USDA zones 5 through 8), but the chemicals turn the blades yellow temporarily. Bermuda grass is invasive in some locations. Keep people and pets out of the treatment area until the spray completely dries.