How to Get Rid of Bull Thistle Naturally in Texas

Removing Bull Thistle

• 1

  Pull on heavy work gloves, long sleeves, pants and heavy shoes or boots before approaching bull thistle. This will protect you from the sharp, needle-like spines.

• 2

  Step on the base of the bull thistle and lean the plant away from you with your foot to better avoid contact with the weed's spines.

• 3

  Move your foot, reach down and pull the bull thistle out of the ground with a hard jerking motion to dislodge the root. The entire plant should pull easily out of the ground.

• 4

  Chop up any remaining root in the ground with a hoe to prevent the bull thistle from re-emerging.

Revegetating The Area

• 5

  Till the soil in the area where bull thistle has been removed. Hoe or spade up smaller areas to prepare the soil for new plantings.

• 6

  Sow seeds or place established plants in the tilled soil. Use native plants that can root easily and quickly in the soil for best results.

• 7

  Cover root balls with soil and pat down firmly. Cover seeds gently with a fine layer of dirt, or use a rake to smooth them into the prepared soil.

• 8

  Water the area thoroughly. Continue to water until seedlings emerge, or plantings become established.