How to Control Sand Spurs in Bermuda Grass Hay Fields
- 1). Examine the hay field for sand spurs. Sand spurs have large flattened spines that grow from their seedheads. Sprinkle colored chalk around areas of sand spur growth to help you know where to focus your efforts.
- 2). Choose a day that is free of rain and wind. Pour granular post-emergent herbicide that is safe to use among bermuda grass in a fertilizer spreader. The label on the herbicide should indicate if it is safe to use on bermuda grass type.
- 3). Push the spreader to the areas of sand spur growth and apply a thin layer of herbicide. Using a granular herbicide will cut down on the amount of contact that the chemicals have on surrounding vegetation. Wait a few days for the sand spurs to die.
- 4). Dig up the dead sand spurs and either throw away or burn. Till the bare areas in your bermuda grass hay field. Pour bermuda grass seed in a hand-held seed spreader.
- 5). Distribute bermuda grass seed over the bare areas. Cover the grass seed with 1/8-inch of compost. Water the area with a mist of water. Keep a watering routine that consists of spraying the bermuda grass seeds three times a day with a mist of water until the grass grows to 1 inch. Return to your normal 1-inch-per-week watering routine for the entire field.