Reclaiming pasture

[Farmwithjunk]

Mornin Bill,
Thats basically what I have done to my property. Just kept mowing it, it still has some weeds but even the local farmers have commented that the acreage looks much better than a few years back ! I havent got to the spraying part yet but Im sure I can make it better than it allready is ! Of course that all takes money, and you know how I hate partin with that !

Howdy Scott!

Been known to be a bit frugal myself I come about it honestly. My dad was tighter'n Jack Benny. My wife said one time that dad and me were responible for the invention of copper wire. Someone threw a penny on the ground in front of the two of us, and.....

I don't like spraying any more chemicals than needed. Cost and later effects both play into that. But this place was a real mess. When all is said and done, timely mowing probably did as much, if not more to clean up the weeds.

My spraying days are about over here too. Liegh has flowers and shrubs planted all over the place now. If I kill so much as one blossom, I might be living in the shop. I do believe she's starting a bee and butterfly sanctuary.

 

[Flywheel]

Shred it down, let stuff grow a couple weeks, apply Grazon at 4pts/acre (confirm with label), spot treat is needed, shred and another month or so, fertilize and cover with winter rye with light disk.

Do a soil sample now - you might need lime, etc.

This should get you through the winter.

You should have somewhat of a pasture by spring - then summer grass and fertilize...possible weed kill again...

You gotta be a little patient, but it'll come - I had a mess a couple years ago, and whould have hit it with the weed kill sooner. Got it pretty good with the shredder though.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto what wushaw said.. cut it down.. disk the tar out of it.. plan on doing it again. seed for cover.. then reseed and keep it mowed religously after that.

Soundguy

 

[Grrrr]

I think regularly cutting it would be the anwer. If you cut it enough, eventually you will just be left with grass.

If you cut the weeds before they release their seeds you should stop next years growth.

 

[jimg]

Good advice from Onthesauk as hes familiar w/ local conditions. Ive seen first hand what passes for blackberries out there and I think theyd be very hard to control. W/ all the rain and moderate temps a kept field will grow out of control in no time. Frequent mowing will be the best bet although not fast.

Whatcom Co is a really nice area esp around Lynden.

 

[MikeD74T]

Having raised blackberries as a cash crop I agree with others about mowing. Disking/tilling will promote vigerous blackberry growth. Only herbicide or constant mowing will eradicate them.
If you go the herbicide route consider buying/building a weed wiper. Uses less herbicide & is a selective application process.
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MikeD74T

 

[rdam]

My 5 acres is part of a subdivision of lots between 5 and 20 acres each. It was a dairy farm at one time and was primarily Penasacola Bahia. Those that are not maintained become over run with briars and weeds. However, if it is mowed regularly, the Bahia comes through. I am mowing mine weekly now that I have my tractor, and it it has been mowed regularly over the past 3 years. It looks great. I think the cheap (and fun) way out is to mowmowmowmowmowmow.

 

[Luremaker]

I think regularly cutting it would be the anwer. If you cut it enough, eventually you will just be left with grass.

If you cut the weeds before they release their seeds you should stop next years growth.

I wish I could say the same. I have just as many weeds in my lawn as I had 6 years ago and I cut it every week.

 

[Flywheel]

Rick - that place looks really great - what grass is that?

I am real happy with the way my place turned out after two years of work - basically 85% coastal turnout pasture and native grasses. part of a pasture rotation program.

Anyway, the shredding really helps to keep the weed from sucking doen nutrients for the grasses - but as Luremaker pointed out - sometimes it is not enough.

I have another 10 acres (of a 30 acre place) that wont take to shredding alone - and the weed kill was applied at the wrong time in the past - so we got some work to do there.

 

[JoeinTX]

Not in Washington, but listening to your situation I have to agree with FlyWheel.

Cut down/beat back and then apply a proper herbicide for your troubles. Give the desirable native plants a chance at a stand.

What is your ultimate goal with this piece of property?