Sandbur (Sticker) Control in Bermuda Grass: Go Organic

Sandburs Are Annuals — Stop the Seeds

Sandburs (stickers) are annual grassy weeds. The best control is a dense, healthy Bermuda lawn that shades them out. Mow high, water deeply but infrequently, and hand-pull survivors.

Avoid Toxic Pre-Emergents

Chemicals like MSMA, pendimethalin, benefin, and oryzalin carry health and environmental risks. Texas A&M agrees: cultural practices are superior.

Organic Strategy

• Mow Bermuda at 2–3 inches.
• Water deeply once a week.
• Apply corn gluten meal in early spring.
• Hand-pull sandburs before they seed.

A researcher took three years hand-pulling to eliminate them — but it worked. Patience and soil health win.