Burr Weeds: A Common Lawn Problem and How to Control Them
What are Burr Weeds?
Burr weeds are a type of plant that can quickly spread throughout your lawn or garden. They have green serrated leaves and reddish purple stems that creep along the ground. Burr weeds also have small yellow flowers and produce prickly burrs that can be a nuisance.
The most common type of burr weed is called burr medic (Medicago polymorpha). Burr medic is a trifoliate weed, meaning it has leaves that are grouped together in threes. Other types of burr weeds include:
- Woolly medic (M. minima)
- Spotted burr medic (M. arabica)
- Barrel medic (M. truncatula)
- Cut-leaved medic (M. laciniata)
How to Identify Burr Weeds
Burr weeds are relatively easy to identify. They have:
- Green serrated leaves
- Reddish purple stems
- Small yellow flowers
- Prickly burrs
How to Control Burr Weeds
The best way to control burr weeds is to prevent them from setting seed. This means removing them from your lawn or garden before they flower. You can do this by:
- Mowing your lawn regularly
- Pulling burr weeds by hand
- Using herbicides
Mowing
Mowing your lawn regularly will help to control burr weeds by preventing them from flowering and setting seed. However, mowing will not kill burr weeds, so it is important to combine mowing with other control methods.
Pulling Burr Weeds by Hand
Pulling burr weeds by hand is an effective way to control them, but it can be time-consuming. To pull burr weeds by hand, simply grasp the plant at the base of the stem and pull it up. Be sure to remove the entire root system to prevent the weed from growing back.
Using Herbicides
Herbicides can be an effective way to control burr weeds, but they should be used as a last resort. This is because herbicides can be harmful to the environment and to beneficial insects. If you do decide to use herbicides, be sure to read and follow the directions on the product label carefully.
Organic Methods for Controlling Burr Weeds
There are also a number of organic methods that you can use to control burr weeds, such as:
- Using a pre-emergent herbicide
- Applying corn gluten meal
- Improving the health of your soil
Using a Pre-Emergent Herbicide
A pre-emergent herbicide is a type of herbicide that is applied before weeds have a chance to germinate. Pre-emergent herbicides can be effective in preventing burr weeds from germinating in your lawn or garden.
Applying Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is a natural herbicide that can be used to control burr weeds. Corn gluten meal works by inhibiting the germination of weed seeds.
Improving the Health of Your Soil
Burr weeds are more likely to thrive in poor soil conditions. By improving the health of your soil, you can make it less hospitable to burr weeds. You can improve the health of your soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure.
Conclusion
Burr weeds are a common problem in lawns and gardens, but they can be controlled with a variety of methods. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your lawn or garden free of burr weeds.
