golden rod and other weeks in the field

[keegs]

golden rod and other weeds in the field

I have what appears to be a growing infestation of golden rod and other weed varieties in my hay fields. I'm learning that with golden rod, there's no practical way to remove it mechanically, either by pulling it or mowing it, as it spreads by way of rhizomes or runners. I'm considering spot treatment of roundup or other herbicide. Has anyone had success with controlling weed infestations?

 

[Soggy Bottom Outdoors]

Yep, if you're not worried much about clovers or other legumes. Crossbow at 4-5oz per gallon, for spot spray. Add a little Preference as a surfactant. Read and follow label directions and wear a mask. Cimmeron is a good choice for the tougher stuff but it will hurt your pocket book.

 

[tcreeley]

My back field was infested with goldenrod. Regular mowing before it had a chance to flower got rid of it. Now the goldenrod is on the edge of the treeline but not in the field. Mowing often I think is the best control.

 

[Ed of all trades]

If you feed the grass well the weeds will be choked out, and you get more hay, you win both ways. Weeds in a hay field are a symptom, fix the problem and the symptom goes away.

 

[keegs]

tc...I mowed about 20 acres in early July and the goldenrod and burdock in that stretch are flowering again. Not sure what you meant about regular mowing, but my situation is such that I won't be able to mow all 50 acres more than once a year.

Ed, the hay isn't producing any income and so I can't justify the cost of fertilzer and/or lime.

I'd rather not use herbicides but don't know if there's any alternative given the circumstances.

 

[Soggy Bottom Outdoors]

Ed is correct and tcreeley is correct......to an point. Many "weeds" will indicate a particular soil condition i.e. low fertility, low pH, compaction, poor drainage, poor seedling stand, drought, etc. Many "woody" stemed "weeds" can be controlled if even temporarily with mechanical controls. The tough ones in my hay fields that improved soil conditions didn't help was multiflora rose, some thistles, johnsongrass, and "broom sage".The first two I hit with Crossbow, the second, Roundup, and the third I just live with. I think a combination of improved soil, mechanical control, and herbicides shound help the poster bring in a good crop.

 

[slowzuki]

Goldenrod is a natural progression species here in unworked fields. You can fertilize or lime all you want but if you don't cut it regularly it will grow. I have had good luck cutting it right before it goes to seed. Eliminates about 30% of the plants per time doing that. Earlier and there seems to be little reduction. Later of course it goes to seed.

 

[slowzuki]

Burdock, I have only had luck spot spraying 3-4 times per year. Mowing won't do it. Grows in our lawn even.

 

[brin]

My back field was infested with goldenrod. Regular mowing before it had a chance to flower got rid of it. Now the goldenrod is on the edge of the treeline but not in the field. Mowing often I think is the best control.

TC - he has a hay field , as do I ...mowing often is not an option..

 

[fordmantpw]

We had some in our field, and the gentleman that leases it for hay rights used 2-4D on it. Took care of it with one treatment. You have to put it on at the right time though. From my understanding, 2-4D is not a herbicide, but is a steroid that causes the goldenrod to grow out of control and it kills itself by growing too fast. On the plus side, it feeds the fescue to produce more hay.

 

[keegs]

slowzuki....We cooked up some burdock root a few weeks ago. Apparently it's good for you. We sauted it in butter and let it simmered until tender...not too bad really....tastes a little like plantain.

I'm new to this obviously...I had someone mowing the fields for the hay but they're no longer in business and so I'm on my own with it now. It's been a few years since the last mowing and the weeds appear to be getting out of hand..I'll see how it looks next summer and if it doesn't look any better maybe I'll try spotting it with something.

 

[jimmysisson]

Goldenrod is great for bees - gives them a boost for their winter honey stores. If you can mow it once a year, try to mow before it goes to seed, and you'll stay even with it. I notice you said "It's been a few years since the last mowing...", and a few more and you'll have woods growing. I guess you know that...
Jim

 

[cowski]

24d esther

 

[keegs]

Goldenrod is great for bees - gives them a boost for their winter honey stores. If you can mow it once a year, try to mow before it goes to seed, and you'll stay even with it. I notice you said "It's been a few years since the last mowing...", and a few more and you'll have woods growing. I guess you know that...
Jim

Yeah Jim..that's why I'm getting kitted out for mowing. ...seems to me though that trying to keep ahead of these weeds is gonna be a little like Elmer Fudd trying to keep ahead of that wascally wabbit. :laughing:

 

[keegs]

24d esther

Novices using powerful chemicals give chemicals a bad name.