Sandburs (Sticker Weeds): Identification and Control

Sandburs (Cenchrus spp.) produce the painful "stickers" in Texas lawns. Texas A&M research confirms: frequent mowing/watering of Bermuda, planting St. Augustine (shades them out), or hand-pulling are the best controls.

Chemical pre-emergents (MSMA, DSMA, pendimethalin, benefin, oryzalin) carry risks: oryzalin is carcinogenic, benefin causes liver damage in dogs, pendimethalin ranks among most ecologically hazardous compounds.

Texas A&M also endorses organic approach: dense, healthy grass via proper mowing height, deep infrequent watering, and timely fertilization. A thick lawn naturally excludes sandburs.

One researcher took three years of hand-pulling to clear his yard—but it worked.