Weeds to Grass, Can it be done

FL_Cracker · Jun 20, 2005

I have 8 acres of pasture in Blue Ridge, GA (North of Atlanta) and cleared about 8 acres over the past 5 years. Each time I seeded that area but did a very simple job. It was at a time when I got up there maybe once a month. Thurs when I got the chance to seed the weeds already had a good hold. I'm planting Kentucky Tall 31 Fescue.

I have a fully grown in pasture but it's composed of some grass and lots of weeds. In the spring the Daisies are thick. The attached pictures show some of the grass. The white in one of the pictures is from a lime application. I have been overseeding with a broadcast speader every now and then. During this process I need to keep three horses happy and eating the grass & weeds.

Questions;
1) What is the best steps to work out the weeds and promote grass growth?
2) Should I spray to reduce weeds? If so with what? How many gallons per acre of spray?
3) Should I mow it a lot and how low?
4) How long should I expect the project to take to get a thick green and clean pasture?

Any help will be welcome, I have never worked pasture grass like this and have no clue....
That would make me CLUELESS! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

4) What about the horses, need grass and no harmful chems?

FL_Cracker · Jun 20, 2005

One more shot before the horses were put on the grass....

rcaretti · Jun 20, 2005

My neighbor was told by someone from the conservation district to keep his fields mowed and that would encourage grass growth, and over time it would lessen the amount of weeds.

My pastures are similar to his, a lot of weeds mixed in with orchard grass. My problem in the fenced areas is that the horses go for the grass and leave the weeds, basically allowing the weeds to keep growing. I've been mowing them to keep them down a little, but it looks like spraying, overseeding and fertilizing (after a soil test) will probably be my next step. I'm thinking of having 2,4-D applied.

PBinWA · Jun 21, 2005

Nothing beats a good Round-up - till - re-seed session. But this can be a little time consuming.

I've had good results with the 2-4D weed killers. It might be expensive to do several acres but not that bad. I bought a 25 Gallon electric sprayer with a boom and get Ortho Weed-B-Gone concentrate when ever it is on sale ($7). Usually, one bottle of weed-b-gone concentrate to about 20 gallons of water will treat about .5 to .75 of an acre. If you can get 1 application of 2-4D in the spring and one in the early fall then you can get some good results. At least I did but I'm in the Pacific NW so you may get different results with your grasses.

Keeping the lawn mowed short for a summer or two is also good.

thegreatrandini · Jun 21, 2005

Dude, first of all k-31 has endophytes unless the grass seed is more than a year old. Endophytes in pasture is not preferred. Foaling mares should not be allowed to graze it. Cattle won't have optimal weight gain. Now on to your weeds. Call your county extension office. They will be glad to help you get rid of your weeds. They love to help kill weeds. Spray the weeds harrow the field throw the seed harrow the field again. Now hope for rain.....That is all u need to do.... A grass drill works even better........

PBinWA · Jun 21, 2005

Good points by thegreatrandini - I got focused on the weed problem and over-looked the livestock.

I'm not even sure whether or not 2-4D is something you want to spread on a livestock pasture. It's probably OK but you would want to give it some time to clean itself off the grass.

You might want to look at some of the pasture seed mixes that are available online or at you local farm store. I think your animals would prefer the variety and it would be healthier for them. I tilled and re-seeded an acre (skipped the round-up) with a 7 seed mix and it is doing great. A few weeds but mostly clover and rye grass.

EastTexFrank · Jun 21, 2005

I'm not familiar with your grass type so I'll restrict myself to the weed problem.

You can control weeds by mowing but you have to know the type of weed you are trying to control and mow often and regularly. It's not a quick fix but if they're mainly annuals, and you can stop them running to seed, you will see noticable results in a year or two.

I usually like to spray in the spring and then try to keep it mowed. I have had good results with Grazon P+D (2-4-D and picloram) but it is a restricted chemical. The picloram just broadens the weed killing spectrum a little and gives you some residual effect. You will find that most pasture herbicides are a mixture of 2-4-D and something (usually a weedkiller/pre-emergent). Straight 2-4-D will kill most things and it's relatively cheap - use a surfactant for best results. I don't think there are any grazing restrictions on it except for lactating animals and those being sold for meat within 7 days or so. You need to check the label and make sure. I'd buy it at the local TSC or feed store in 1 gallon or 2-1/2 gallon containers. It works out a lot cheaper than getting the 1 quart bottles, even at WalMart, because it's usaually a lot more concentrated. It won't be wasted as you will use it up over time. Weed control is a continuing problem.

Once you have identified the particular weeds you are trying to kill, there are several good websites to do this - Dow Chemical has one, I'd talk to my local extension agent as the timing of the application can be important for maximum benefit.

I hope this has helped some and yes, it can be done with a little time and perseverence. I forgot to mention .... be careful with the chemicals around those trees or you could lose them.