Goat heads are those annoying weeds that puncture just everything from skin to bicycle tires.
If you step on the lawn without shoes, you can feel them on your feet, as they cause a temporary stinging.
They are actually hard to get rid of unless you employ proven elimination strategies. So, what are some ways you can get rid of them?
Goatheads are hard plants to get rid of, but not impossible. They grow rapidly in places where there are no weeds to outcompete.
Once its seeds are in the soil, the following are some of the methods that can be used to control it:
Mechanical Control
You can control weeds using various tools. They include:
1. Using a Blowtorch
Blowtorches are considered the most effective in getting rid of goatheads. Follow these steps:
- Scan the area and remove any combustible materials
- Light the blowtorch and pass it over the goatheads
- Hold it over the weeds to ensure that burns the leaves, stems, and roots.
- Remove dead weeds when done.
- Ensure there are no burning weeds left behind when you leave the site.
However, this method should be used with caution. Remember to consult the local laws before using fire as a weed killer.
This is because it can cause a lot of damage if it spreads. It is best practice to have a water hose in place in case of a fire outbreak.
2. Use a Hand Shovel
A hand shovel is easy to use. However, it may not be effective in large areas.
- Using a hand shovel, dig the area around the roots of the goat heads.
- Push the shovel sideways to cut the weeds from the roots.
- Moisten the ground if it is hard to make it easier for the shovel to go through.
- Gather the weeds, then burn or bury them to prevent their seeds from spreading.
This method can be used at any point outside winter when the foliage has died, but the taproots remain.
To prevent a return of the plant a few inches of mulch should be placed in the affected areas and this is to prevent the seeds from germinating.
Chemical Control
There are several chemicals you can use to eliminate goat weeds. They include:
A Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Applying a pre-emergent to the infested area helps to prevent weeds from growing. However, you need to select the right pre-emergent. The active ingredients to look for in these herbicides are pendimethalin or trifluralin.
Consider the following when using a pre-emergent:
- Apply in the spring before weeds germinate.
- Pre-emergent needs some rain a few days after application. This is to move the herbicide from the soil surface to the top layer, where most weeds are located.
- Follow label requirements and recommendations.
After it has emerged, it is important to switch to post-emergent leaf herbicide that has the following;
- 2,4-D
- 2,4-DP
- Dicamba
- MCPA, or MCPP
Use Broadleaf Herbicide
Other herbicides that can be used include glyphosate and oryzalin. They are both broad-spectrum sprays, meaning they will kill any plant they come into contact with. Therefore, care is needed in the application.
Apply oryzalin in late winter and early spring and glyphosate in late spring through fall when fully grown.
Biological Control
Biological agents such as Microlarinus lareynii, which is a seed-consuming weevil, and Microlarinus lypriform, a stem-feeding weevil, can help prevent goat heads from growing.
This is because they feed on the seeds and stems of the weed.
How to Prevent Goat Heads From Growing On Your Lawn
The best way to prevent goatheads from growing is to prevent them from seeding. The more you can prevent them from seeding, the better control you have over them.
This seeding period is during the early phase of the plant when it is flowering or before it flowers.
Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.