Will mowing regularly help get rid of stickers, or will it spread them?
Mowing regularly can unfortunately contribute to the spread of stickers (also known as burrs or sandspurs) rather than helping to get rid of them. While mowing might seem like a way to chop them down, it often ends up dispersing the seeds, leading to a wider infestation.
The primary reason mowing spreads stickers is due to the way these plants reproduce. Sticker plants produce burs containing seeds that easily detach and cling to surfaces. Mowing through an area infested with these plants essentially turns your lawnmower into a seed dispersal machine. The blades chop up the burs, scattering the seeds across a larger area of your yard. Furthermore, the disturbed soil and open spaces created by mowing can provide ideal conditions for new sticker plants to germinate and thrive. Therefore, to effectively control stickers, it’s crucial to avoid mowing when the plants are producing burs. Instead, focus on preventative measures like applying pre-emergent herbicides in the spring to prevent germination, and using targeted post-emergent herbicides to kill existing plants before they go to seed. Physical removal, such as hand-pulling, can also be effective for smaller infestations, ensuring you remove the entire plant, including the root system. Mulching can also help prevent seed germination by blocking sunlight.
How deep do I need to dig to remove the sticker plant root system?
To effectively remove the sticker plant root system, you’ll generally need to dig down about 6-12 inches. This depth ensures you’re getting the bulk of the root structure, including the crown, which is crucial for preventing regrowth.
Diligence is key when tackling sticker plants. Simply pulling the plant from the surface usually leaves the root system intact, guaranteeing their return. The most effective method involves digging a wide circle around the plant, ensuring you don’t sever the taproot. Undercut the root ball with your shovel, carefully lifting the entire mass out of the ground. Inspect the removed soil and root ball to confirm you’ve extracted the entire root system; any remaining fragments can potentially sprout new plants. The depth you need to dig can vary slightly depending on the specific sticker plant species and soil conditions. Sandy soils might allow for deeper root penetration compared to compacted clay soils. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and dig deeper rather than shallower. Furthermore, remember to fill the hole with topsoil and consider planting grass seed or other desirable vegetation to prevent other weeds from taking hold in the disturbed soil.
And that’s all there is to it! We hope these tips help you reclaim your yard from those pesky stickers. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful gardening advice!