Sandspurs in Your Lawn? Here’s How to Handle Them

People have conflicting opinions on what counts as a weed, but it’s easy to recognize one when you see—or step on—it. Some homeowners can tolerate dandelions or thistles, but sandspurs? They’re in a league of their own when it comes to lawn invaders that nobody likes.

Also called sandburs, grass stickers, or even “little landmines,” these prickly seed heads are the most recognizable feature of the southern sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus). They latch onto shoes, socks, pet fur, and—unfortunately—bare feet.

The problem is, sandspurs aren’t just painful; they’re a sign that your lawn grasses aren’t as healthy as they could be. Learning how to get rid of sandspurs isn’t only about comfort—it’s about restoring a thick, resilient lawn that naturally keeps weeds like these in check.

What Are Sandspurs?

Sandspurs are annual grassy weeds in the Cenchrus genus, easily identified by their spiny seed heads.

• Botanical profile: Most common in Florida lawns is the southern sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus).

• Appearance: Thin, wiry stems topped with burs covered in stiff, needle-like spines.

• Growth habit: Low-growing, spreading in patches where grass is thin.

• Life cycle: Germinates in warm months, flowers in summer, produces burs that spread through foot traffic or lawn equipment.

They’re opportunistic weeds that thrive in poor, sandy soils and open spaces—exactly the kind of conditions you want to avoid in a healthy lawn.

Are Sandspurs Common in Florida?

Yes—very common. Sandspurs love Florida’s sandy, nutrient-poor soils, especially in:

• Coastal areas with loose sand.

• Overgrazed pastures or unmanaged fields.

• Disturbed areas like driveways, paths, and bare spots in lawns.

They’re most prevalent in Central and North Florida but can grow statewide in warm-season climates. Peak season is summer through early fall, but their burs can hang around and cause trouble well into winter.

Why Sandspurs Invade Your Lawn

Sandspurs are rarely a problem in dense, well-maintained turf. They take advantage of weak, stressed grass caused by:

• Low fertility from lack of proper fertilization.

• Compacted soil that limits root growth.

• Drought stress or inconsistent watering.

• Bare spots that give seeds space to germinate.

If your lawn has thin patches, you’re giving sandspurs exactly what they need to get established.

Common Sandspur Removal Attempts That Don’t Work

Liming or using dolomite – Some believe increasing soil pH will get rid of sandspurs, but these weeds can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Changing pH alone will not affect their growth.

Hand pulling mature plants – While it may reduce small sandspur patches, it’s difficult to remove the entire root system and nearly impossible to collect all the seeds, allowing new plants to sprout later.

Burning – Fire may destroy existing plants above ground, but sandspur seeds are tough and often survive in the soil, ready to germinate when conditions are right.

These methods might give a temporary sense of progress, but they don’t address the underlying lawn health issues that allow sandspurs to thrive.

Targeted Weed Control for Sandspurs

For a more direct approach, you can:

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before sandspur seeds germinate.

• Use a post-emergent herbicide to spot treat young plants before burs form.

Always read and follow product labels to ensure the herbicide is safe for your lawn grass type. While herbicides can be part of your approach, they work best when combined with cultural practices that promote a healthy lawn.

How to Get Rid of Sandspurs Effectively: Strengthen Your Lawn

Herbicides can be hit-or-miss, and over time, they can be expensive. The most reliable long-term strategy is to outcompete sandspurs by growing dense, healthy turfgrass—a strategy that not only reduces weed pressure but also keeps your yard looking its best year-round.

Although optional, a soil test can help identify nutrient deficiencies and follow the recommendations for your grass species. This ensures your lawn gets the exact nutrients it needs for vigorous growth.

Patch Bare Areas

Thin or bare spots are prime real estate for sandspur seeds to germinate. Laying sod in these areas instantly restores ground cover and prevents weeds from gaining a foothold. Bethel Farms provides dense, vigorous grass varieties, including bermudagrass sod, ideal for Florida’s climate, giving you a head start toward a thicker, healthier lawn.

Use Grass Plugs for Smaller Repairs

Grass plugs are a great idea for filling gaps without replacing entire sections of turf. By planting plugs that match your existing lawn grasses, you ensure consistent texture and color while slowly covering bare patches where sandspurs might sprout. For the best results, use NutriPod grass fertilizer during planting.

Fertilize Appropriately

Proper fertilization promotes strong, healthy growth, which is your best defense against weeds. Although optional, a soil test can help guide your choices and avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth, nutrient runoff, and turf stress.

Water Consistently, But Don't Overwater

A healthy lawn needs regular moisture, but too much irrigation can cause shallow root systems, promote disease, and give opportunistic weeds like sandspurs a better chance to establish. Water deeply and less often to encourage robust root growth.

Mow at the Correct Height

Cutting grass too short weakens it, reduces shade over the soil, and opens the door for weed germination. Follow recommended mowing heights for your specific grass species to keep it dense and competitive.

Benefits of Sod Over Seed in Problem Areas

When repairing sandspur-prone areas, sod offers clear advantages over seeding. Sod provides instant, dense coverage that shades the soil and blocks sandspur seed germination before it starts. Its faster establishment means weeds have less time to invade, and the uniform, durable surface resists pests and other lawn stressors. With sod, you’re not just patching bare spots—you’re creating a ready-to-use, weed-resistant foundation.

How to Prevent Sandspurs from Coming Back

Keeping sandspurs out of your lawn is all about maintaining strong, consistent turf health. Stick to proper mowing, watering, and fertilization schedules, and regularly inspect your lawn for thin or damaged areas so you can patch them quickly. Protect high-traffic spots from wear and tear to avoid creating bare patches, and avoid scalping the grass, which leaves soil exposed for weeds to sprout. During sandspur flowering season, catch and dispose of clippings to reduce the number of seeds that could sprout next year. These same habits will also help keep other persistent weeds under control, making your lawn a more comfortable, barefoot-friendly space year-round.

Final Thoughts

Sandspurs are stubborn, but they’re not indestructible. They only thrive where turf is weak and soil is exposed. The key isn’t just killing them—it’s creating a lawn environment where they can’t take hold.

With proper lawn care, timely weed control, and healthy turf from the start—by using premium grass sod from Bethel Farms Florida—you can keep sandspurs from spoiling your yard. Build a strong, resilient lawn now, and enjoy a barefoot-friendly landscape for years to come.

Visit our website today for more lawn care tips.