How to Get Rid of Cockelburs

The cockelbur has been the bane of many mothers for generations. The super-sticky burs, which were the inspiration for Velcro, get tangled in everything from socks and sweaters to dog's fur. Once they have grabbed onto their mark, it's quite a chore to remove them. Not only are the little burs extremely hard to remove but also they can cause irritation if they come into contact with the skin. The best way to deal with these pesky weeds is to eradicate them before they ever have a chance to create their seedpod burs.

Things You'll Need

• Weed killer
• Hoe or sharp spade
• Cleaning supplies

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Spray the area where the cocklebur plants grow with a strong weed killer in the spring. Spray the area again two weeks later to be sure all of the cocklebur plants are destroyed.

   • 2

     Dig out cocklebur weeds with a sharp spade, making sure to clear out all of the roots. Do this before the plants begin to mature and form burs.

   • 3

     Clean all your tools (especially wheelbarrows) before leaving the infested area. Tracking seeds to another part of the yard will cause the infestation to spread.