Do I still have time to cut down my foxtail before seed germinates. - Ask Extension
I have a ton of foxtail that ranges from 3 inches to 2 feet tall. ( I never had a problem with it till last year). I'm pulling what i can and disposi...
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Do I still have time to cut down my foxtail before seed germinates. #931730
Asked May 14, 2026, 4:58 PM EDT
I have a ton of foxtail that ranges from 3 inches to 2 feet tall. ( I never had a problem with it till last year). I'm pulling what i can and disposing if it. There is so much tho I'm thinking of weedeating,raking and disposing of it. I don't know if it's too late for this. My other option is to cut the heads with pruners and disposing of it followed by weedeating to ground level leaving about 3 inches of stalks snd roots then raking and treating with glysophate. I don't know if the seed is too developed. I've attached several pictures for your review. Any advice is much appreciated. Also, I am not sure if this is true foxtail or some other invasive weed. I look forward to your reply
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Carolyn and thanks for your question and picture of the weedy grass. I don't believe it is foxtail (see images in site below) but I still think it would be good to get rid of it before the seeds ripen.
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/foxtails/#gsc.tab=0
I also see another invasive plant in the pictures: shiny-geranium.
https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/weeds/shiny-geranium
My suggestion would be to do your weed eater idea, rake up both plants and then put a heavy (4 inches at least) layer of arborists chips over the area. These can be had free from https://getchipdrop.com/ and will slow the return of the weeds without harmful chemicals. The weeds that do manage to peek through the chips will be much easier to pull by hand as they will have had to fight to get to the light and be less vigorous.
If you do decide to use a chemical, be sure it says it is for grass and broadleaf weeds and follow the directions VERY carefully. It is the law. The ingredients you want to look for are:
Thank you!
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/foxtails/#gsc.tab=0
I also see another invasive plant in the pictures: shiny-geranium.
https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/weeds/shiny-geranium
My suggestion would be to do your weed eater idea, rake up both plants and then put a heavy (4 inches at least) layer of arborists chips over the area. These can be had free from https://getchipdrop.com/ and will slow the return of the weeds without harmful chemicals. The weeds that do manage to peek through the chips will be much easier to pull by hand as they will have had to fight to get to the light and be less vigorous.
If you do decide to use a chemical, be sure it says it is for grass and broadleaf weeds and follow the directions VERY carefully. It is the law. The ingredients you want to look for are:
- Glyphosate
- Triclopyr
- Sulfentrazone
- Quinclorac
Thank you!
Rhonda Thank you for responding so quickly. Can you identify the weed I’m most concerned about? My biggest concern is whether the seeds will continue to develop if they are pulled. The seed is very sharp and I believe it got into my dogs foot last year. I took samples of the seed and plant to my vet and they said they thought it was fox tail. My research did not look like foxtail. I can’t tell if the seed heads are developed enough to still dry and become sharp, endangering my dog. From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, May 15, 2026 10:56 AM To: Carolyn craig <crazwhalen> Subject: Re: Do I still have time to cut down my foxtail before seed germinates. (#0201645)</crazwhalen></ask>
Hi again Carolyn- OK, let's say the grass IS actually foxtail and you need to get rid of it. It does look sharp and if it gets into your dog's foot it doesn't matter what kind of seed it is! (My dad was a veterinarian and I saw lots of foxtail operations!)
If it's still green, I would go ahead and weed eat it then rake up the clippings and dispose of them. You don't say how much land is affected, but I really don't recommend glyphosate environmentally. The top picture looks like the grass is brown enough to sprout if left on the ground, so don't mulch it into the soil. If you want to treat the ground, try agricultural vinegar, a more organic herbicide after you have cut down the plants. You could also use a flame weeder or find a landscaper with a steam weeder which will take care of any leftover seeds.
No matter what you do, there will be some plants come back, but if you treat things well and now, the returning plants should be easier to pull out and gain control over.
Best of luck!
If it's still green, I would go ahead and weed eat it then rake up the clippings and dispose of them. You don't say how much land is affected, but I really don't recommend glyphosate environmentally. The top picture looks like the grass is brown enough to sprout if left on the ground, so don't mulch it into the soil. If you want to treat the ground, try agricultural vinegar, a more organic herbicide after you have cut down the plants. You could also use a flame weeder or find a landscaper with a steam weeder which will take care of any leftover seeds.
No matter what you do, there will be some plants come back, but if you treat things well and now, the returning plants should be easier to pull out and gain control over.
Best of luck!
