Author: Southern Sun Landscaping

Ever walked barefoot in the grass and suddenly felt like you were stepping on little landmines? 

Yep, those spiky balls are no fun! These little troublemakers – often more painful than you’d like to admit – are a common problem for many homeowners.

The good news is that they’re actually pretty easy to get rid of once you know what they are.

In this post, I’ll shed some light on what those spiky balls in grass really are and, most importantly, how to get rid of them.

What Are Those Spiky Balls In Grass?

The spiky balls in your grass are called burrs.

They are seed pods that come from certain types of weeds.

Burrs are made to latch onto animals, shoes, or clothes, which helps the seeds spread. They’re not dangerous, but they sure hurt to step on, can mess up lawn equipment, and even take nutrients away from your grass.

There are three common weeds that make these spiky balls in the US. These are:

• Grass Burrs
• Lawn Burweed
• Burr Medic

Let’s take a quick look at each of these:

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Grass Burrs (Cenchrus Echinatus)

These are the most common spiky balls in grass.

You’ve probably heard of these as “sandburs.” They love sandy or dry soil, especially in warmer places.They have thin, sprawling stems and spiky seed heads that start out green and turn brown as they mature.

Each burr holds a bunch of seeds inside a hard, thorny shell. 

Grass Burrs are tricky because their seeds can stay dormant for years in the soil, making them a recurring issue, especially in lawns with bad soil or inconsistent watering.

Lawn Burweed (Soliva Sessilis)

Also known as “spurweed,” this weed is a pain in early spring. 

It stays low to the ground, spreading out into dense mats with tiny fern-like leaves and flowers. Those flowers eventually turn into sharp burrs that you’ll definitely feel if you step on them. 

Burweed loves compacted soil and thrives in lawns that get too much water or are shaded. 

The burrs are hidden under the leaves, so most people don’t even realize it’s there until the burrs are already forming.

Burr Medic (Medicago Polymorpha)

Burr Medic, or “burr clover,” is a broadleaf weed with small yellow flowers and leaves that grow in threes. Its spiky seed pods coil up like tiny pine cones and latch onto anything that brushes against them, spreading the seeds. 

You’ll usually find it in disturbed soils, like newly seeded lawns or areas with patchy grass. 

While it can add some nitrogen to the soil, the burrs it leaves behind make it a bit of a nuisance in most lawns.

Also Read: Will gas kill grass?

How To Get Rid Of Spiky Balls In Grass

Now that you know what those spiky little balls are, let’s talk about how to deal with them.

Don’t worry, getting rid of these pesky burrs is not that complicated. Here are a few simple tips you can follow to reclaim your lawn:

#1 Mow Regularly

Mowing regularly is one of the simplest ways to control burr-producing weeds. 

These weeds thrive in unkempt, patchy lawns where they can grow without competition. Keeping your grass cut short stops them from maturing and producing those painful burrs. 

However, don’t mow too aggressively – cutting your grass too short can weaken it, making it easier for weeds to invade. 

A good rule of thumb is to mow at the recommended height for your grass type, keeping it strong enough to outcompete weeds.

Also, make sure to keep your mower blades sharp.

#2 Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides

If you’re serious about getting ahead of the problem, pre-emergent herbicides are your friend. 

These products work by preventing the seeds of weeds from sprouting in the first place.

You’ll want to apply them in early spring, before those burr seeds have a chance to take root. 

Timing is everything—if you apply them too late, the seeds will already have sprouted, and you’ll need a different approach.

So check your local weather or soil temperature (55°F) to get it just right. This will give you a better shot at keeping your lawn burr-free.

Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as overuse can harm your lawn.

Remember – pre-emergents don’t kill existing weeds, and only stop new ones from growing.

#3 Spot Treat With Post-Emergent Herbicides

If the burrs are already growing in your yard, you’ll need a post-emergent herbicide to kill them. 

These are designed to target and kill weeds that have already sprouted and are growing. 

For broadleaf weeds like Burr Medic, products containing 2,4-D or dicamba are often effective. For Grass Burrs, herbicides with quinclorac usually work well.

Also Read: Will Cayenne Pepper Kill Grass?

You can apply them directly to the areas where the burrs are making an appearance.

Be sure to read the label carefully before you spray, because not all herbicides are safe for every type of grass. Some can damage your lawn if used incorrectly. Also, make sure to follow the instructions on the label—too much of a good thing can harm your grass.

#4 Manually Remove Small Patches

If you’ve only got a few small patches of burrs here and there, it might be easier to just pull them out by hand. 

This can be a little time-consuming, but it’s a good option if you’re dealing with a limited area. 

Just grab a good pair of gloves, pull out the weeds by hand, and toss them in the trash. Don’t leave them in your compost pile, or they might just spread again next season. 

Make sure to grab the whole plant too, roots and all.

Try to pull the weeds when they’re young and still easy to remove. If you wait too long and they’ve already gone to seed, you’re just giving those spiky balls more chances to spread.

#5 Improve Lawn Health

One of the most effective ways to stop burrs is by improving the overall health of your lawn. 

A lush, thick lawn can crowd out weeds and make it harder for those spiky burrs to grow. 

Start by making sure your lawn gets enough water, but not too much. Also Fertilize your lawn based on soil test results to make sure it gets all the nutrients it needs. And be sure to reseed your lawn if there are any bare spots.

A well-fed lawn is a strong lawn, and strong grass is better at fighting off weeds. 

Aeration can also help by allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily, you’ll have a healthier, happier lawn that’s harder for burrs to invade.

Bottom Line

Those spiky balls in grass are no joke, but with a little effort, you can get rid of them for good. 

It all starts with regular lawn care: mow, fertilize, and water your grass, and use pre- and post-emergent herbicides when necessary. 

So, take action, and say goodbye to the pain of stepping on spiky balls once and for all. 

We’ve all had a moment where we’re messing around with our lawnmower or maybe topping off the weed eater, and whoops – gas spills on grass.

Now you’re staring at the spot, wondering, “Is this bad? Did I just kill my grass?”

Unfortunately, the answer is yes, gas can kill grass. It can burn the blades, seep into the soil, and leave behind some ugly dead patches.

In this post, I’ll explain how gas kills grass, and what can you do to minimize the impact. 

I’ll also show you how to recover if the gas does end up killing your grass.

Can Gas Kill Grass?

Yes, gas can kill grass, and it doesn’t take much to do some serious damage.

Gasoline is full of harsh chemicals like hydrocarbons and additives that are toxic to plant life. When spilled on grass, it immediately begins to break down cell structures and causes the blades to dry out and turn yellow or brown.

But the real danger is what happens beneath the surface.

Also Read: Will Lime Kill New Grass Seed?

If the gas seeps into the soil, it creates a toxic environment that suffocates roots, and prevents them from taking in water and nutrients.

Plus, it can also break down beneficial microorganisms in the soil that help your grass grow. Without those microbes, the soil becomes less fertile.

The longer gas sits in the ground, the harder it is for grass to recover.

If it’s a small spill the grass might struggle but eventually recover, but a bigger one can leave behind dead patches that won’t grow back unless you clean up the contaminated soil and reseed or re-sod the area.

What To Do If You Spill Gas On Grass

If you do end up spilling gas on grass, you need to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are some steps to help you get your lawn back on track:

#1 Absorb The Spill

First things first, you need to absorb the gasoline. 

The longer it sits there, the more it can seep into the soil and do damage. 

You can use a variety of materials to soak up the gas, such as cat litter, sand, or even sawdust. 

Spread a generous amount over the spill, and let it sit for a while. It’ll help soak up the liquid, and make it easier to clean up.

#2 Dispose Properly

Once you’ve absorbed the gasoline, you can’t just toss the materials in your regular trash. 

Gasoline-soaked items are considered hazardous waste, so they need to be disposed of properly. Check with your local waste management facility for the right way to dispose of it in your area.

Some places might even have special disposal sites for hazardous materials.

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#3 Water The Area

After you’ve cleaned up the spill, give the area a good watering. 

You want to dilute any remaining gasoline in the soil and help wash it away. 

Be sure to water deeply, so the gasoline doesn’t just move around on the surface—it needs to go down into the ground and away from the roots. 

Keep an eye on the area for a few days to make sure the grass starts bouncing back.

#4 Allow Time To Air Out

Gasoline has a strong odor, and that smell can stick around for a while. Letting the area air out is a good idea, so give it some time. 

If you’re able to, avoid walking on the grass until it starts to recover. 

Just let the soil breathe, and give your lawn time to work through the fumes.

How To Repair Lawn Damage From Gasoline

If the damage is already done and you’ve got dead spots on your lawn, don’t stress. You can still fix it! It’s going to take a little bit of effort, but it’s definitely doable.

Assess The Damage

First, take a good look at the area. 

Some spots might just be a little discolored, and other spots might be completely dead. 

If it’s a small area, you might not need to do much at all. But if the damage is more widespread, you’ll have to take a few extra steps.

Remove Dead Grass

Once you’ve figured out where the damage is, you can start cleaning things up. 

Remove any dead grass from the area. You can pull it up by hand or use a rake to get rid of it. 

If the gas spill was large, the grass might be beyond repair, so you’ll need to clear it away before you do anything else.

Also Read: Will Cayenne Pepper Kill Grass?

Aerate The Soil

Next, it’s time to aerate the soil. This helps loosen up compacted soil and gives the new grass seeds a better chance to take root. 

You can use a manual aerator or rent a power aerator if you have a larger lawn. 

Aerating is especially important if gasoline has really affected the soil because it helps reintroduce oxygen into the ground, which the grass desperately needs.

Reseed The Area

Now comes the fun part – reseeding! 

You’ll want to choose a grass seed that matches your lawn’s existing grass. If you don’t know exactly what kind of grass you have, go with a general-purpose seed for your region. 

Spread the seeds evenly over the area, making sure they’re in good contact with the soil. 

If you’ve a larger area, you might want to rent a broadcast spreader to make the job easier.

Water Properly And Fertilize

Once your seeds are down, water the area well. 

Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Too much water can drown the seeds, and too little can cause them to dry out. It’s a balance. 

After a few weeks, once you start seeing some green growth, you can begin to cut back on the watering.

Fertilizing can also help speed up recovery. Use a fertilizer that’s appropriate for your type of grass. Look for one with a good balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – this will give your grass the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. 

Don’t overdo it, though. Too much fertilizer can actually harm the grass.

Wrapping Up

Spilling gasoline on your lawn isn’t the end of the world, but it can cause some serious damage. 

Gasoline can kill grass by messing with the soil, harming the grass roots, and disrupting the natural growth process. 

If you do spill gas, just follow the steps to clean it up, and you’ll minimize the impact. However, if the damage is done and you need to repair your lawn, it’ll take a little patience, but you can definitely bring it back to life. 

With some care and attention, your lawn will bounce back in no time.

In the end, accidents happen. The best thing you can do is stay calm, take action, and give your lawn the TLC it needs to recover.