Q&A for How to Get Rid of Foxtails

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What is the best way to clean up dead foxtails?

Community Answer

Use a weed burning propane torch from Home Depot if this is allowed in your area. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher or ample water supply nearby.

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Question

Once foxtail has gone to seed, is it best to cut it or just let it die in the winter?

Community Answer

If it is left where it is, the seeds will fall off and grow into new foxtail plants nearby.

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Question

How do I get rid of foxtail seeds?

Community Answer

Foxtails cannot handle mowing, so you can try and turn your backyard into a lawn by installing sod or spreading grass seed.

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Question

If I mow my young foxtail grass will it spread seed?

Community Answer

If the foxtails' seed heads are totally green then you should be able to mow them with a mower with a grass catcher (younger is better). Discard the clippings into the trash. If any part of the seed heads are turning a light tan, then you will need to cut the heads off by hand and dispose of them in the trash. You can spray the plant with glyphosate (Roundup) before mowing or cutting the seed heads, it will kill everything it touches. Two weeks or so after spraying, the plant should have died and turned brown/tan. You can then dig it up and repair the small area in your yard with one of many products that are available.

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Question

How do I kill foxtails without killing other plants?

Community Answer

Your only option is to dig them up. There's really no chemical you can spray on them that will kill the foxtails but not other plants.

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Question

How do I get rid of a large amount of foxtails when I can't burn them?

Community Answer

Spray area with glyphose (Roundup), then cut the seed heads off and put them in the trash. When the base of the plant is dead, then you can remove it and dispose of it in trash. Repair area with available planting options. Since it is a grass, it is hard to get rid of. you can use a pre-emergent herbicide such as pendimethalin in the spring, which will keep seed from germinating. It is spendy as a standalone chemical, but you can get get some pre-emergent weed spray which contains pendimethalin. It must be done as a pre-emergent though; you can get rid of it by being diligent.

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