Don't rush plans to control brush

Weeds of any kind, especially brush species, steal grass from pasture and hay producers in significant quantities. 

For every pound of broadleaf weeds controlled, grass production typically increases by about 2 pounds. The return is even better on brush. We usually get 3-plus pounds of increased grass for every pound of brush controlled. This happens by eliminating the competition for water and plant food nutrients.

There are some key differences between controlling weeds and controlling brush. Most, but not all, weeds can be satisfactorily controlled with a timely application of DuraCor, a broad-spectrum broadleaf herbicide labeled for almost 150 weeds. DuraCor can be applied by spraying or by blending (impregnating) into fertilizer. Sprayed applications are usually a little better, but both methods generally provide satisfactory control. When it comes to brush, however, all applications will be sprayed. Trying to achieve any kind of brush control via dry fertilizer impregnation will not have good results.

For brush control, we frequently need to create a plan and then follow the plan until the desired results are achieved. Patience is key, because that plan might encompass two or more years. It’s like writing a prescription to remedy the situation, one that provides the most bang for your buck. 

For the most part, brush-control season has three opening dates:

June 15 is when we should start tackling brush-control tasks. The timing is right to control locust and hedge with DuraCor and Remedy. We can spray hedge sprouts until the end of September, but I like to finish spraying locust by the end of August when it begins to lose leaves. When spraying any brush, the leaves are the conduit to pull herbicide into the woody stem and eventually to the roots, where real control occurs.

July 1 is a good time to begin spraying most other tree species, such as oak, hickory, pear and persimmon, and we can continue to spray effectively until early September. Most tree sprouts and other woody species will respond to Remedy, Tordon or Starane. Remember, just because a herbicide is used on brush does not mean that it kills all brush. For example, Remedy has nearly zero impact on buckbrush. 

This is where we begin to fine-tune a plan for the brush species you are dealing with. For instance, the recipe for oak and hickory control will be 3 pints Remedy and 2 pints Tordon 22K, using Astute Xtra as the surfactant. If you’re after a flush of pear or persimmon, use 3 pints of Surmount. Work with your local MFA representative to make a plan. We also have “cheat sheets” to get you started in the right direction, listing product, quantity and timing. If you have one or two species, these guides will usually point the way. To control multiple species with different herbicide and/or timing requirements, reach out to me or your local MFA for advice.

Sept. 1 kicks off spraying blackberries. We used to spray them in late May with mixed results and then have to spot spray in September to clean up survivors. When we move spray timing to September, or even early October, we get good control in one application. Either DuraCor plus Remedy or Chaparral plus Remedy will usually do the trick.

Some of my rules for success on brush control are:

• Do not bush hog for one to two years before spraying. You need plenty of leaves to absorb the herbicide.
• The rate should include 20 gallons of water per acre at a minimum for brush.
• Spray booms or boomless nozzles need to be above the leaves you want to spray.
• Adding the right surfactant, such as Astute Xtra, is every bit as important as the right herbicide.
• Do not change the recommended herbicide rate, up or down. An increase might burn off the leaves before the herbicide can enter the stem, and a decrease might mean sick brush but not dead.
• For woody species, do not bush hog until you see desired control. That won’t happen for at least a year. Be patient and see what might grow next year.

Controlling brushy competition and a fall fertilizer application can be the one-two punch to help you finish your forage year strong. Contact me at dmoore@mfa-inc.com or your local MFA to write a prescription that best fits your operation.     

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