Stickers, also known as burrs or prickly seeds, can be a frustrating nuisance in your lawn or garden. These small seeds have barbs or spines that attach to clothing, fur, or even bare skin, making them difficult to remove. Stickers not only detract from the beauty of your grass but can also cause discomfort and irritation. In this article, we will explore nine common types of stickers that you may encounter in your grass and provide effective methods for getting rid of them. Let’s dive in and reclaim your sticker-free lawn!
1. Burdock
Description:
- Burdock plants produce round, prickly burrs that are easily recognizable.
- The burrs have numerous hooks that cling to clothing or animal fur.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or a stiff brush to gently remove the burrs from clothing or fur.
- For stubborn burrs, apply a small amount of vegetable oil or conditioner to make them easier to slide off.
2. Foxtail Grass
Description:
- Foxtail grass produces long, bristly seedheads that resemble the tail of a fox.
- The seeds have barbs that can easily get stuck in clothing, pet fur, or animal paws.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Gently comb or brush out the foxtails from clothing, pet fur, or animal paws.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
3. Cocklebur
Description:
- Cocklebur plants produce spherical seedheads covered in hooked spines.
- The burrs easily attach to clothing, pet fur, or animal paws.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or a stiff brush to gently remove the burrs from clothing, pet fur, or animal paws.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
4. Sandburs
Description:
- Sandburs are grassy weeds that produce spiky seedheads.
- The seedheads have sharp, needle-like stickers that can easily attach to clothing or animal fur.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Gently brush or comb out the sandburs from clothing or animal fur.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
5. Beggar’s Lice
Description:
- Beggar’s lice, also known as stickseed, produce small, flat seeds covered in tiny hooks.
- The seeds easily cling to clothing, pet fur, or animal paws.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Gently brush or comb out the beggar’s lice seeds from clothing, pet fur, or animal paws.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
6. Hedge Bindweed
Description:
- Hedge bindweed produces small, spiky seed pods.
- The seeds have small barbs that can stick to clothing or animal fur.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or a stiff brush to gently remove the seed pods from clothing oranimal fur.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
7. Velcro Weed
Description:
- Velcro weed, also known as bedstraw, produces small, sticky seedheads.
- The seedheads have tiny hooks that easily attach to clothing or animal fur.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or a stiff brush to gently remove the seedheads from clothing or animal fur.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
8. Prickly Lettuce
Description:
- Prickly lettuce produces small, spiky seedheads similar to dandelions.
- The seeds have tiny barbs that can stick to clothing or animal fur.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or a stiff brush to gently remove the seedheads from clothing or animal fur.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
9. Goathead Weed
Description:
- Goathead weed, also known as puncturevine, produces small, hard seeds with sharp spines.
- The seeds have strong stickers that can puncture bicycle tires or attach to clothing or animal fur.
Removal Methods:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Gently brush or comb out the seedheads from clothing or animal fur.
- If the stickers are deeply embedded, use tweezers to carefully extract them.
- To prevent further spread, dispose of the seeds in a sealed bag or container.
Conclusion
Stickers in grass can be a pesky problem, but with the right techniques, you can effectively remove them and restore the beauty of your lawn. Remember to always wear gloves to protect your hands and use tools like combs, brushes, tweezers, or even vegetable oil to aid in the removal process. Regularly inspect your lawn and promptly address any sticker issues to prevent them from spreading. By following these tips, you can say goodbye to stickers and enjoy a sticker-free lawn once again!
