Summer Weed Control: Make Every Spray Count
Summer Broadleaf Weed Control in Pastures: Making Every Spray Count
By: Gilbert Barrett, President/CEO, White County Farmers Exchange
One of the biggest challenges for pasture managers in the Southeast is recognizing that we don't have just one weed season—we have two. Winter annual weeds require a fall or winter herbicide program, while summer perennial and annual broadleaf weeds require a completely different approach. If you only spray once a year, you are likely leaving significant weed pressure unchecked during the opposite season.
Dogfennel: Timing and Coverage Matter
Dogfennel is one of the most difficult pasture weeds to control once it becomes established. As plants mature, they develop very little leaf surface, making it more difficult for herbicides to be absorbed. That means every spray application has to count.
PastureGard HL is generally the most effective herbicide for controlling established dogfennel. However, it has no residual activity, meaning new seedlings can emerge after treatment. It is also one of the more expensive options, often exceeding $30 per acre.
While GrazonNext HL or DuraCor alone typically do not provide satisfactory control of mature dogfennel, a tank mix of 24 oz GrazonNext HL + 16 oz Remedy Ultra provides excellent control of existing plants while offering season-long residual control. This program generally costs $21–25 per acre.
Don't Skip the Adjuvants
Adding a quality surfactant and a penetrant such as NanoPro helps herbicide droplets spread across the leaf surface, improves penetration through the waxy cuticle, and keeps the spray solution on the foliage longer, resulting in better uptake and improved control.
Application Makes the Difference
Proper sprayer calibration, adequate spray coverage, favorable temperatures, and actively growing weeds with adequate soil moisture are all essential for successful control. Drought-stressed weeds are much harder to kill because herbicide movement within the plant is reduced.
Other Tough Summer Broadleaf Weeds
Hemp Dogbane: PastureGard HL generally provides the best control. A GrazonNext HL + Remedy Ultra program also provides excellent suppression with residual control of other weeds.
Perilla Mint: GrazonNext HL or DuraCor applied to young, actively growing plants generally provide good control. Early treatment is critical.
Fence Row and Woody Brush Control
A tank mix of Remedy Ultra and GrazonNext HL provides excellent control of briars, blackberry, sweetgum, privet, and many other woody species while also controlling broadleaf weeds along fence rows.
Professional Drone Application Services
White County Farmers Exchange offers professional drone herbicide application services for many pasture situations. Drone applications are generally available on 30 acres or more.
Typical application rates:
• 100+ relatively open acres: approximately $15/acre
• 50–99 acres: approximately $18/acre
• 30–49 acres: approximately $20/acre
More complex applications may range up to $25/acre depending on terrain, mapping requirements, and field conditions. Contact White County Farmers Exchange for additional information or a customized quote.
A Long-Term Weed Management Strategy
Successful pasture weed control requires a year-round management plan. Control winter annual weeds in the cool season and summer broadleaf weeds during the growing season. The right herbicide, applied at the right rate under the right conditions, will consistently provide the greatest return on your investment. Always read and follow herbicide label directions and observe all grazing and haying restrictions.
Need Help?
Contact White County Farmers Exchange to identify problem weeds, develop a season-long weed management plan, or request a customized drone application quote.