Help with maintaining an arena for my daughters horse barrell racing

[RKTractorFan]

I disc'd up a large area on our property and somewhat smoothed it out. I have having trouble keeping the grass killed though. I spray it thoroughly with Roundup and it kills what is active, but within a week ive got new grass/weeds growing. Anyone have a suggestion on what to use to keep the grass/weeds from growing back? Something light in the wallet? The area is about a 1/3 to 1/2 acre and I have a 55gal sprayer that I use on my tractor.


I appreciate the help in advance.

 

[RKTractorFan]

Killing and preventing grass/weeds for an arena?

I disc'd up a large area on our property and somewhat smoothed it out. I have having trouble keeping the grass killed though. I spray it thoroughly with Roundup and it kills what is active, but within a week ive got new grass/weeds growing. Anyone have a suggestion on what to use to keep the grass/weeds from growing back? Something light in the wallet? The area is about a 1/3 to 1/2 acre and I have a 55gal sprayer that I use on my tractor.


I appreciate the help in advance.

 

[Diggin It]

Re: Killing and preventing grass/weeds for an arena?

An arena is a pretty big area! ;-)

I don't know. I have yet to find anything* that will kill vegetation and keep it dead for any period. I've tried a variety of things with no success. Even GroundClear, formerly know as TriOx doesn't do it for as long as they claim. One thing that does work longer than others is Bayer DuraZone, but it ain't light enough on the wallet to do a large area.


* One thing that does, but isn't legal or cost effective? Try spilling a little gasoline while filling your mower and watch what happens and how long it takes to recover.

 

[ustmd]

RK,

Wish I could help, but we have the same problem.

When the commercial barn next to us went up for sale, we bought the double sized sand dressage arena. When 60 boarders were riding in it weekly, no grass. When it was only my wife, MIL and neighbor, the grass came in quick. I tried for a couple of years to keep it out, but then gave up.

We now have a grass/sand arena.

 

[RKTractorFan]

I'm thinking a combo of round up and a good quality drag to keep them from rooting.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Either drag it more often or ride in it more often. I would try and use an arena drag if it's in the budget as well.

 

[bunyip]

We have a 45 x 45 sand arena, roundup once a year and harrow often to stop the roots getting attached.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Spray a gly/mojave or total vegetation control with plenty of surfactant. The mojave will sterilize the group for up to a year. Dragging helps too

Brett

 

[drssg]

I'm thinking a combo of round up and a good quality drag to keep them from rooting.

I think that sounds like a good plan. You’ll want to work the footing anyhow to make it more appropriate for riding.

I don’t have issues with grass growing in my arena in the area that gets dragged. The grass grows around the edges and in the corners, where it doesn’t get dragged.

 

[RKTractorFan]

Spray a gly/mojave or total vegetation control with plenty of surfactant. The mojave will sterilize the group for up to a year. Dragging helps too

Brett

Whats Mojave? Ive never heard of that? I currently mix up a 4oz to a gallon Gly in my 55gal sprayer and it kills it pretty quick, as soon as the rain comes I see new sprouts grr lol