Buckbrush Control

The growing season is underway and one of the first species that will leaf out is buckbrush or coralberry. While it can grow to over 6′ tall, it’s often shorter in pastures and while it may not seem like it’s hurting production, its aggressive system of rhizomes and stolons combined with its quick start in spring can give it a leg up if we’re not vigilant.

Mechanical control options include animals, prescribed fire, and mowing. Cattle will be less effective than goats. A prescribed burn can be effective if done for 2-3 consecutive years (a better option for warm than cool season pastures). Mowing 1X is likely to cause resprouting, requiring multiple mowing passes in early to mid-May to begin to make a dent in the stand.

Multiple herbicide control options are available. Products containing 2,4-D or picloram (restricted use) plus 2,4-D can do a nice job when applied as foliar treatments. This is an excerpt from the 2025 KSU Chemical Weed Control Guide outlining control options.

Application timing is important for good control. Apply herbicides after plants are fully leafed out, but before leaves get too mature, typically when they turn from a lighter to a darker green shade, generally in May. Note: this is typically earlier than for another nuisance brush species like Roughleaf dogwood that won’t take off until later in the season (more on that one later…).

When applying herbicides, always read and follow label directions. For more specific brush control recommendations see the 2025 KSU Chemical Weed Control Guide from a District Office or linked above.