It’s that time of year again when yards are starting to fill up with pesky stickers and burrs. If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them without damaging your lawn. Luckily, there are a few different methods you can try.
In this blog post, we’ll show you 17 different ways to remove stickers and burrs from your yard. By the end, you’ll be able to choose the method that best suits your needs. So, let’s get started!
What are Stickers?
Stickers, also known as cockleburs or burrs, are seed-like fruits that attach themselves to clothing and animal fur. They’re often found in fields and woods. When they come into contact with fabric, they can be very difficult to remove.
What are the Different Types of Stickers?
You can find many different types of stickers in your yard. The most common types are:
- Beggar’s lice
- Burweed
- Lawn Burrs
- Sticker Weeds
- Sandburs
- Grass Stickers
- Sticky Chickweed
- Cocklebur
- Goosegrass
17 Ways to Remove Stickers from Your Yard
Now that you know what stickers are and what types of stickers are out there, let’s take a look at how to remove them.
1. Cut your lawn as short as possible
If you have a lawn full of stickers, the first thing you should do is to give your lawn a “military haircut.” This means mowing your lawn as short as possible without damaging the grass.
This will weaken the sticker plants and make them easier to remove. Be sure to bag your grass clippings so that you don’t spread the seeds around.
2. Always mow your lawn with a bag attachment
You should always mow your lawn with a bag attachment to prevent sticker spread. This will help to collect the seeds and prevent them from germinating elsewhere in your yard.
Be sure to dispose of the bagged grass clippings in a landfill or other appropriate location so that the seeds do not have a chance to spread. Although mowing with a bag requires some extra effort, it’s a crucial step in preventing the spread of stickers.
3. Pull the stickers by hand
If the stickers are still young, small, and few in number, it may be possible to just pull them by hand. But be careful! Stickers can be sharp, so it’s important to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin.
Simply grab each sticker at the base and pull it straight up. If the plant is resistant, you may need to use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stickers away.
If you’re able to remove the stickers without too much trouble, then congratulations! You’ve saved yourself a lot of time and effort.
But if the stickers are bigger and more numerous, then you’ll need to resort to other methods.
4. Use a weed whacker
If you’re dealing with a large area of stickers, or if the stickers are particularly thick, you may need to take more drastic measures to get rid of them. A weed whacker can be very effective at removing stickers, but it is important to take safety precautions.
First, make sure that the area you’re working in is clear of any obstacles. Second, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from the blades.
Finally, be careful not to damage the underlying grass or soil as you work.
With a little care and patience, a weed whacker can help you get rid of those pesky stickers for good.
5. Remove them with a rake
If you’re looking for an alternative to the weed whacker, you can try using a rake. Manually raking stickers may be more time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, it’s also a good way to get some exercise. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin.
To remove stickers with a rake, simply grab the rake and dig it under the stickers. Then, lift the rake up and pull the stickers out of the ground.
You may need to repeat this process several times to get all of the stickers.
Once you’ve removed the stickers, you can compost them or dispose of them in the trash.
6. Use a garden hose
Garden hoses are not just for watering plants! They can also be used to remove stickers from the ground. If you’re dealing with young and small stickers, you can blast them away with a jet of water from your garden hose.
It’s also a good way to remove stubborn stickers that are difficult to pull by hand.
To use this method, simply aim the hose at the base of the sticker plant and turn on the water. The force of the water will dislodge the plant and send it flying through the air. Be sure to have a trash can or compost bin handy to catch the flying stickers.
For bigger and tougher stickers, you may need to use a pressure washer. But be careful! If the pressure is too high, you could damage the underlying grass or soil.
7. Burn them
If you’re dealing with a small number of sticker plants, you can use a propane torch to burn them. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing, and clear the area around the plants of any flammable materials.
Simply hold the flame of the torch against the leaves of the plant until they’re blackened and charred. The heat will kill the plant and drive away any remaining sticker burrs. This method is most effective on young plants that haven’t yet produced seeds.
For older plants, you may need to repeat the process several times to completely kill them. However, burning is an effective way to control sticker growth without resorting to chemicals.
8. Use vinegar
Vinegar is a household staple that can be used for a variety of purposes, including removing stickers from your yard. The acidic nature of vinegar will break down the sticker plant’s cell walls and kill it.
To use this method, simply mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the solution onto the leaves of the sticker plant. Be sure to get the undersides of the leaves, as this is where the majority of the stickers are located.
You may need to reapply the vinegar solution every few days to completely kill the plant. However, this method is much safer for the environment than using chemical herbicides.
9. Boiling water
Boiling water is an effective method for killing sticker plants. This method is most effective on young plants that haven’t yet produced seeds. The boiling water scalds the plant, causing it to die.
It is important to pour the boiling water directly onto the plant, as this will kill the plant more quickly. If you pour boiling water on the ground around the plant, the heat will kill the roots, but the plant will often resprout.
When using this method, be careful not to burn yourself. The boiling water can cause serious burns, so it is important to use caution.
10. Salt solution
If you’re looking for a natural way to kill sticker plants in your yard, a salt solution may be the answer. The high concentration of salt will cause the plant to dehydrate, eventually leading to its death.
For this method to work, you will need to mix salt with just enough water to dissolve it. Too much water will dilute the salt and make it less effective. Once the salt is dissolved, pour or spray it directly onto the leaves of the plant.
The salt solution works best during the summer and when rain is scarce. This is because the salt will remain on the leaves of the plant and won’t be washed away by rain or watering. You may need to reapply the solution every few days to completely kill the plant.
11. Sprinkle baking soda
Although not very effective, baking soda can be used to kill several types of weeds, including stickers. This method works best on young plants that are still soft and actively growing.
Just like the salty solution and vinegar, you will need to sprinkle baking soda on the leaves of the sticker plant. Be sure to apply the baking soda liberally, as a small amount will not be effective.
12. Use MSMA
When applying a chemical herbicide, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully. You don’t want to damage your other plants or harm the environment.
MSMA is the most common post-emergent herbicide that is effective at killing sticker plants. Post-emergent herbicides are applied in the winter and kill sticker plants that have already germinated.
To apply MSMA, mix it with water according to the label instructions and then put it in a pump sprayer. Next, thoroughly wet the leaves of the sticker plants with the mixture until they’re dripping. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves when handling MSMA because it can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin.
13. Use glyphosate
Glyphosate is another post-emergent herbicide that can be used to kill sticker plants. This chemical will kill any plant it comes into contact with, so it’s important to be careful when applying it.
To use glyphosate, mix it with water according to the label instructions and then put it in a pump sprayer.
Next, thoroughly wet the leaves of the sticker plants with the mixture until they’re dripping. You may need to reapply glyphosate every few weeks to completely kill the plant.
14. Use a pre-emergent herbicide
Pre-emergent herbicides are applied in the fall and prevent sticker plants from germinating in the first place. This type of herbicide is effective at preventing sticker plants from growing, but it will not kill existing plants.
There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to prevent sticker plants from growing. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully when applying these chemicals.
15. Pour vodka on it
If you’re looking for a surefire way to kill a sticker plant, pour vodka on it. This method is 100% effective, but it’s not very practical. For one thing, it’s a waste of good vodka. For another, it’s not very effective at preventing regrowth.
So, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you’ll have to find something else.
But if all else fails, and you find yourself with a sticker plant that just won’t die, give this method a try. You might be surprised at how well it works.
Sticker Plants: Commonly Asked Questions
Now that you know how to get rid of stickers from your yard, let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions.
Where are sticker plants common?
Sticker plants are found throughout the United States, but they are most common in the southern and eastern states. This is because these regions have warmer climates, which allow sticker plants to thrive.
What kills sticker plants?
There are several herbicides that can be used to kill sticker plants. However, it is important to note that many of these products will also kill other types of plants. So, if you use an herbicide to kill sticker plants, you will also need to be careful not to damage your other plants.
Are stickers poisonous?
No, stickers are not poisonous. However, they can cause skin irritation in some people. If you experience any itching or redness after coming into contact with a sticker plant, wash the area with soap and water.
Can sticker plants hurt my dog?
Yes, sticker plants can definitely hurt your dog. The sharp spines on the cockleburr can become embedded in your dog’s skin, which can cause irritation and pain. Additionally, if your dog ingests a sticker plant, it can cause stomach upset and vomiting.
If you think your dog has been hurt by a sticker plant, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
How does a lawn get stickers?
There are a few ways that sticker plants can end up in your lawn. One way is if the seeds are brought into your yard on your clothes or shoes. Another way is if birds eat the seed heads and then drop them in your yard. Additionally, sticker plants can spread through underground runners, which means they can easily spread to other parts of your yard.
How quickly can sticker plants spread?
Sticker plants can spread relatively quickly, especially if they are not removed promptly. If you have a few sticker plants in your yard, it is important to remove them before they have a chance to spread and take over your lawn.
What is the best time of year to get rid of sticker plants?
The best time of year to get rid of sticker plants is in the spring before they have a chance to go to seed. This will prevent the plants from spreading and will make them easier to remove.
If you have sticker plants on your lawn, don’t panic! With a little effort, you can get rid of them. Just be sure to use caution when using herbicides and weed torches, as they can damage other plants if you’re not careful.
Do insects eat stickers?
Some insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, will eat sticker plants. However, these insects are not effective at controlling a sticker plant population.