Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Chemical herbicides
• Part 2 of 3: Organic solutions
• Part 3 of 3: Preventive measures
• Warnings
• Necessities

Foxtail is a type of tail grass, a genus of plants with a rolled, dense, plume-shaped spike (Alopecurus). There are five species in the wild in the Netherlands. This invasive plant of the grass family is considered a weed and can spread in gardens, meadows and other areas where grass grows. Foxtail can be controlled by both chemical and biological methods, but you should take preventive measures afterwards, regardless of the method, to protect the area from this unwanted grass from now on.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Chemical herbicides

1. Use glyphosate or similar products. Herbicides for controlling plants of the plantain family are ineffective in controlling foxtail, as this plant is a member of the grass family. If you plan on chemical control of these weeds, you should use a grass killing herbicide. One of the most accessible and available herbicides is glyphosate.
   • Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, which means that this herbicide will kill everything in the area where you apply it. For best results, spray the entire area with glyphosate. While the other vegetation is likely to die as well, this is the fastest and most effective way to control foxtail.

   Be careful with products with glyphosphate, such as the product Roundup. At home you can use crop protection products with glyphosate in the garden. In agriculture, farmers and growers are allowed to use crop protection products containing glyphosate. But other professionals, such as gardeners and water boards, are not allowed to do that. In short, the reason is that although experts agree that it is better not to use the product due to damage to nature, the environment and the health of the user, there is not always a viable alternative available. See here which products are allowed for use in the Netherlands. See here for a list of resources that are no longer allowed, but that you may still have at home, including certain types of Roundup.

   
   
2. Apply the glyphosate several times. You will likely need to apply this herbicide at least two to three times before you get rid of the foxtail completely. Wait for foxtail to reappear before using glyphosate again.
   • You should wait about two weeks before using the herbicide again, especially if you are using a powerful exterminator such as glyphosate.
3. Combine the use of chemical herbicides with biological methods for controlling and controlling weeds. While chemical herbicides can address most of the problem, the use of biological control methods can help with the periods between uses of the chemical pesticides. This will ensure that the entire control process will run more smoothly.
   • Seven to 10 days after you apply the herbicide, put the dead plant debris underground. If you want to improve soil conditions, now is the time.

Part 2 of 3: Organic solutions

1. Dig the soil. Dig the soil under and around the foxtail and make sure that the plant debris ends up under the soil. As a result, the plants have to deal with dark, warm conditions underground. With this simple action you can stunt the growth of this unwanted plant.
   • Dig in the moonlight, early morning or evening twilight. It is claimed that foxtail growth is promoted when this plant is exposed to direct, bright sunlight during tilling. So if you dig the soil in the evening instead of during the day, you can reduce this unwanted effect by as much as 78 percent.
2. Pull or dig the weeds out of the ground. You could also choose to dig out the plants one at a time and then dispose of them elsewhere, outside the area affected by foxtail. Make sure to remove the entire plant, including roots, and not just the part that you see above the ground.
   • Remove the seed heads first to ensure that the plant is unable to disperse these seeds. This will prevent new foxtail from getting a chance to grow.
   • After removing the seed heads, dig out the plant using a slim weed weed to reach the long roots.
   • Remember that weeds are easier to pull out of the ground when it is wet and the weeds are still young. This also applies to foxtail and this plant is no exception.
   • Pull the foxtail (plume-shaped spike) off the stem when working with your hands. Wear thick gardening gloves to protect your hands.
   • You could also use a lawn mower or grass trimmer to cut off the tips and seed heads of the foxtail. However, you should repeat this continuously during the season, as the plant continues to produce new seed heads during the summer months.
   • If you prefer the lawn mower or grass trimmer option, you should afterwards thoroughly clean the circular blade of the lawn mower or the wire spool of the grass trimmer to prevent accidentally spreading the seeds. You should also rake the lawn afterwards to remove all seed heads. Taking these extra steps will increase your chances of removing foxtail if you're only using a lawn mower or grass trimmer.
3. Use vinegar. If you prefer the convenience and effectiveness of herbicides, but prefer not to use harsh chemicals, you could also use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural and weak acid, but it is known to be effective when used to control weeds such as foxtail.
   • A typical USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) -approved vinegar contains 5 percent acetic acid.
   • Pour the vinegar directly onto the foxtail near the ground. The idea is that the vinegar should get as close to the roots as possible.
   • Use enough vinegar to moisten the soil under the foxtail. The soil does not have to be soggy, but it should feel moist to the touch.
   • Wait one to two weeks after you first apply vinegar and watch the effects. Dead or dying foxtail should be removed as soon as possible. Foxtail that continues to grow even after the first use of vinegar, should be subjected to another treatment with vinegar.
   • Apply the vinegar again, if necessary.
   • Remember that using vinegar is more effective when the plant is at the stage where it has produced seedlings. It is probably less effective when foxtail is already at a later stage.
4. Make use of urine. While the thought of pouring urine on a lawn or other area of ​​vegetation may disgust you, it can be just as effective as vinegar. Urine is a powerful, organic, alkaline substance and is therefore capable of killing foxtail in the same way that chemical herbicides can.
   • You can obtain products with "predator urine" through various web shops and garden centers, among others. These products are often used to deter and repel small pests, but they can also be used for pest control purposes.
   • A cheaper and more effective solution is the use of human urine. Collect the urine in a bucket and pour it directly over the foxtail. When doing this, aim as much as possible at the bottom of the stem to let the urine come into contact with the roots of the plant.
   • As with many other control methods, you need to repeat the use of urine several times or combine this method with the physical (manual) removal of the plants. Remove the foxtail clumps by hand or with a hoe as soon as you notice the plants dying.
5. Smother the affected area with a layer of litter (compost). When the foxtail is still relatively young, you can stop the growth of the plants by covering the bottom with a layer of litter. This litter layer can deprive the foxtail of sunlight and oxygen, preventing the plant from accessing nutrients and light necessary for growth.
   • The foxtail should be cut close to the ground before you can apply the litter and use it to get rid of these unwanted plants.
   • If you want to keep other plants and vegetation on the same plot of land, apply the litter layer between the plants and along the rows. Make sure the litter layer covers the foxtail.
   • An organic litter layer consisting of twigs, shredded leaves and wood chips works well.
   • The litter layer should be about 5 cm thick.
   • You could also place a layer of damp newspaper (black and white ink only) under the litter layer to further stunt the foxtail's growth.

Part 3 of 3: Preventive measures

1. Use a preventative herbicide. If you don't have problems with the use of chemical herbicides, you can apply a preventative herbicide where you expect foxtail. This is especially important if you have previously dealt with foxtail in this area.
   • A number of standard options available to you are: Dacthal, Balan and Pendimethalin.
   • If you prefer an organic, preventative herbicide, you could use corn gluten. Sprinkle this product after your new lawn starts to grow to prevent foxtail and other weeds from establishing. Do not use corn gluten before your new lawn has started growing or this product may also stunt the growth of your desired grass.
   • Apply the preventative herbicide in the spring. If you apply the product too early, it can affect its effectiveness. For best results, use the product as soon as it gets and stays warmer outside. Apply the preventative herbicide just before you expect foxtail to shoot out of the ground.
2. Check the soil's pH level. The soil conditions should be optimal for other plants. If other plants thrive in the soil, they will grow and absorb more nutrients, making it more difficult for foxtail to find enough nutrients to survive.
   • The desired pH value of the soil depends on the type of vegetation you have in that particular spot.
   • The fertilizers and other additives to the soil will affect the pH value. Keep in mind that additions to the soil generally have a greater impact on the pH value if they get into the soil instead of being spread over the surface.
   • Herbicides can also influence the pH value. As a general rule; if you add an acidic herbicide, you need to restore the balance by adding an alkaline substance afterwards, and vice versa.
   • Have a soil sample from your garden analyzed in a laboratory to determine the pH value.
3. Fill the area with other vegetation. If a plot of land has to deal with too much vegetation, some plants will eventually die. This happens as soon as the roots compete with each other for the nutrients and other resources that are essential for survival.
   • You could also completely replace the grass with new sod.
   • When choosing the vegetation to plant in the area, it is best to choose sturdy, reliable crops, such as legumes or hay grass. Crops that you normally plant in rows, such as soybeans and corn, often take up too much space and are ineffective at stopping foxtail.
   • If you are going to plant other grasses in the area, keep this grass as beautiful, thick and healthy as possible. Thick grass can be very helpful in controlling foxtail growth.
4. Keep the area well mowed. Regularly mowing the grass will keep your garden healthy, and a garden that is in optimal condition will promote the growth of foxtail and other unwanted plants to a lesser extent.
   • While it is important to keep the grass short, it should not become a bare plain. You should maintain a length between 5 and 7.5 cm.

Warnings

• Foxtail can be very harmful to dogs, cats and other animals. The grass can get caught in the fur of certain animals and make its way to the skin. It could even eventually pierce the skin and cause the animal to become ill or die. Foxtail can cause similar problems for all animals when the plant comes into contact with ears, nose and eyes. This plant is also dangerous if ingested.
• Do not use foxtail remains as compost. Once you've removed foxtail, put the plants in plastic bags and take them to landfill. If you let the leftovers compost, the seeds could be re-spread and then germinate, keeping you from getting rid of this unwanted plant.
• If you are using a chemical herbicide, avoid doing it near a sink hole, lake, river, or stream. The chemicals can seriously affect the health of wildlife and pets.

Necessities

• Glyphosate
• Rake
• Small shovel or a slender weed weeder
• Grass trimmer or lawn mower
• Garden gloves
• Sturdy, thick plastic bags
• Vinegar
• Urine
• Litter (compost)