Goathead Round Up is a Boise based service dedicated to removing the pesky goathead weed found along roadways and trails, in yards, lots and anywhere else they can get established.
We work with home owners, businesses, property management companies and government agencies.
The Goathead (scientifically named Tribulus terrestris and also called puncturevine) is a low-growing mat forming annual plant. It has a single tap root that then radiates out to many long vine like stems that can grow up to 5 feet long.
Along each stem are small hairy leaves that are in opposing pairs. Throughout July and October it will produce bright yellow flowers with five petals. The flowers will fruit to become seed pods that break into five seed capsules at maturity.
Seed capsules of the goadhead are burr like with 2 to 4 sharp spines. The shape of the seed resembles the head of a goat. Upon drying the burr can become attached to the fur of animals for dispersal and even sharp enough to puncture a bike tire.
Removing goatheads can be a bit tricky since they have the needle like spines. They hurt terribly and no one wants to be stuck by one.
Our method of choice is the old stand by shovel and trusty long handled dandelion weeder. Pulling them by hand is just as effective as long as we can avoid being poked.
Once all the goathead vines are removed we come back with the famous Goathead Roller that’s manufactured right here in Idaho. We will roll it over the area multiple times to gather up all the seed pods and capsules that have fallen from the vine. It’s not 100% effective but it will significantly reduce the amount seeds left behind to germinate next year.
Sometimes people will resort to chemicals to manage their weeds such as goatheads but we prefer avoid them. Adding more chemicals into the environment isn’t healthy for ourselves or the animal and plant life around us.
If chemicals are necessary or preferred by the property owner we will defer the job to someone who specializes in chemical treatment.
Ideally the goatheads are gone forever after removing them but that’s not usually the case. The seed capsules are still able to germinate for up to seven years. So, any that might be left behind or scattered could still sprout in the future.
It’s important to target the removal of the seeds as they sprout in the following years. They may be eradicated after consistent removal over a few years.