Help control brush problems

By Delta George

Special to The Tribune

Brush control is a major problem is Eastern Kansas. The major species involved are buckbrush, locust, dogwood, hedge, elm, red cedar, brambles, oaks and sumac.

The main objective of brush control is to obtain an acceptable population of woody plants on rangeland to increase or maintain an optimum amount of area available for livestock grazing. Other potential benefits include: 1) increased forage quality, 2) increased animal production, 3) easier handling and care of animals, and 4) the reduction of potential fire hazard if volatile fuels like cedars are removed.

Total removal of all woody plants; however, may not be necessary or recommended. Brush and trees around watering areas, in ravines, and other areas where they are difficult and expensive to control can provide shade and winter protection of livestock. They also provide much needed habitat for wildlife. Complete removal of plants in that location would have little effect on livestock carrying capacity.

Most woody species are susceptible to properly applied herbicides. This means using the correct chemical at the right time at the recommended rate. As a general rule of thumb, brush is most susceptible to foliar or broadcasted herbicides when they are applied right after the full leave stage is the spring. Herbicides applied at that time are absorbed and translocated to site of action.

Since plants differ among species as to when the full leaf stage occurs, one needs to base application date of species selection. For example, buck brush is in full leaf by early May or even late April, whereas hedge trees are not in full leaf until early June. Blackberries are most susceptible to herbicide control when sprayed in early to mid-June, well after the full leaf stage. Only sericea lespedeza is susceptible to summer or fall applications, then only when actively growing or flowering.

Cutting woody species at ground level and immediately applying a proper herbicide will typically prevent re-sprouting; this can be done anytime of the year.

Applying a granular, liquid or pelleted herbicide to the soil in a grid pattern within the drip line prior to an anticipated spring rain will also control many brush species, provided the soil is not frozen or saturated with water.

From mid-July to early-January, basal bark applications can be successful. An herbicide/diesel mixture should be applied to the entire circumference of the tree up to 18 inches above ground. This may not work on large, thick barked trees.

It often seems that we focus on the control of brush and trees after the problem has already occurred instead of trying to prevent the problem. This is information was taken from a very informative Rangeland and Brush Control publication written by Gary Kilgore. For a copy, please contact the Extension Office at (620) 223-3720.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a KState Research and Extension agriculture and 4H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 2233720.