Burclover - Ask Extension
I have about 7000sqft of that is grass area. Most of what is there is burclover and I am having a hard time keeping them off of my dogs fur. I am not ...
Knowledgebase
Burclover #794426
Asked June 06, 2022, 9:24 AM EDT
I have about 7000sqft of that is grass area. Most of what is there is burclover and I am having a hard time keeping them off of my dogs fur. I am not quite sure what I should do. Kill the burs with something, rake up the dead patches, then sod with zoysia and water what’s left or a different approach? Maybe I need to have my soil tested for nutrients? I would like to use less toxic chemicals if there are any that would do the trick. And soda h the entire 7000 sqft would be too costly. Thank you.
Hays County Texas
Expert Response
California burclover (Medicago polymorpha) is an annual broadleaf weed that grows well in low-fertility soils. It is difficult to kill once it is established and flourishing. Getting rid of it is not a rapid process, especially if you have a large amount of burrs (seeds) in a large area, but it can be done if you are persistent and apply the right product at the right time.
It's best to tackle this weed in fall, before the dropped seeds sprout. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide labeled for burclover in September and again two months later in November. Read the label and follow the directions for application carefully to prevent damage to desirable plants, people, animals and the environment. If you prefer less toxic chemicals, corn gluten meal can also be used. You may need to re-apply the pre-emergent herbicide or corn gluten meal every year for several years to extinguish all the seeds.
Once burclover seeds have sprouted, pre-emergent herbicides and corn gluten meal won't work. It's best to tackle burclover sprouts in early winter before they get tall and start blooming. Post-emergent herbicides labeled for burclover are best applied in December or January. Most post-emergent herbicides must be applied in cool weather when no rain is forecast for 24—48 hours, and no wind is present to blow the herbicide onto desirable plants. Do not apply post-emergent herbicides under trees or near desirable plants. Follow label directions exactly.
More information on burclover control can be found at http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7490.html and
https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/SC039_turfgrass_final.pdf
Once the burclover is under control, this publication will give you all the information you need to successfully establish turfgrass. A soil test is recommended in addition to preparing the soil. If sod is cost-prohibitive, you may want to consider a seeded turf such as Buffalograss. https://cdn-ext.agnet.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/B6239-turfgrass-establishment-for-texas.pdf
Sincerely,
Caroline
It's best to tackle this weed in fall, before the dropped seeds sprout. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide labeled for burclover in September and again two months later in November. Read the label and follow the directions for application carefully to prevent damage to desirable plants, people, animals and the environment. If you prefer less toxic chemicals, corn gluten meal can also be used. You may need to re-apply the pre-emergent herbicide or corn gluten meal every year for several years to extinguish all the seeds.
Once burclover seeds have sprouted, pre-emergent herbicides and corn gluten meal won't work. It's best to tackle burclover sprouts in early winter before they get tall and start blooming. Post-emergent herbicides labeled for burclover are best applied in December or January. Most post-emergent herbicides must be applied in cool weather when no rain is forecast for 24—48 hours, and no wind is present to blow the herbicide onto desirable plants. Do not apply post-emergent herbicides under trees or near desirable plants. Follow label directions exactly.
More information on burclover control can be found at http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7490.html and
https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/SC039_turfgrass_final.pdf
Once the burclover is under control, this publication will give you all the information you need to successfully establish turfgrass. A soil test is recommended in addition to preparing the soil. If sod is cost-prohibitive, you may want to consider a seeded turf such as Buffalograss. https://cdn-ext.agnet.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/B6239-turfgrass-establishment-for-texas.pdf
Sincerely,
Caroline
Thank you for all the helpful information. If I don't kill the burclover and just put sod down would the sod get rid of the bur clover or would all the burclover eventually come through the new sod? Also do you have a list of places that do soil sampling in the Manchaca Texas area? Thanks again so much for all your help.
Sodding over bur clover may kill some of the actively growing weeds but the seeds can sprout through any gaps in the sod, around the edges for example, then may reseed into the lawn.
I am not familiar with soil testing in your area. However, the Texas A&M Soil Water and Forage Testing Lab accepts mail-in samples. All the information you need to submit a sample for testing can be found at http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/files/urbansoil.pdf
Caroline
I am not familiar with soil testing in your area. However, the Texas A&M Soil Water and Forage Testing Lab accepts mail-in samples. All the information you need to submit a sample for testing can be found at http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/files/urbansoil.pdf
Caroline
