NATIVE GRASSES AND RANGELAND AREA WEED CONTROL
Weed Control for Pasture Land Grass Areas
Milestone Specialty Herbicide is an exceptional solution for eliminating weeds in rangelands, native grass areas, pastures, and meadows. This powerful herbicide effectively targets a wide range of problematic weeds, including Canada thistle, musk thistle, immature goatheads, yellow mustard, alfalfa, knapweed, and numerous other invasive and noxious species. Protecting our native areas is vital for a robust ecosystem, which is why Organo-Lawn proudly prioritizes the use of the most environmentally friendly and effective weed control products on the market.
Rangeland Weed Controls
Organo-Lawn is excited to offer Milestone as a weed control option for pasture lands. Milestone is highly effective in managing difficult weeds and is also registered as an EPA Reduced Risk pesticide. This weed killer is very low in toxicity and is practically non-toxic to humans, fish, honeybees, invertebrates, amphibians, and birds. Milestone breaks down quickly through soil microbial activity and does not leach into the soil.
Since native grasses generally do not require additional fertilization, we do not apply any fertilizer when using this product in native areas. Typical weed control rates may vary depending on the weed species and the time of year. However, we typically observe weed control rates of around 80-95% in the spring when weeds are young and actively growing. During the hotter summer months, when the land experiences drought stress, weed control rates tend to be around 60-85%. Milestone is particularly effective at controlling Canada thistle, achieving high control rates throughout the year.
Excellent Canada Thistle Weed Killer
Musk thistle and Canada thistle are the most problematic weeds commonly found in native grass areas. We achieve outstanding control of Canada thistle by applying the herbicide in early June and again in early September. Typical control rates for Canada thistle and musk thistle range from 90% to 95% per application, and it usually requires 2 to 3 applications to manage a significant thistle problem effectively.
We have also observed excellent control rates for other weeds, such as knapweed, goatheads, mustard, and kochia, when using Milestone herbicide. Native grasses generally do not require additional fertilization, so we do not mix fertilization with our herbicide applications in native areas.
Control rates may vary based on the weed species and the time of year. However, we typically see high control rates of 80% to 95% during the spring when weeds are young and actively growing. In contrast, during the hot summer months when the land is drought-stressed, control rates tend to drop to around 60% to 85%. Milestone is particularly effective at controlling Canada thistle, achieving high control rates regardless of the season.
Milestone is an excellent choice for controlling Canada thistle. Note: that this weed control is only for rangelands and pasture grass areas as it can cause damage to certain species of trees.
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Myrtle Spurge Weed Control Services
Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is a low-growing, perennial plant known for its sprawling, succulent-like foliage and bright yellow-green flowers. While visually striking and often used as a drought-tolerant ornamental plant, myrtle spurge is invasive in many regions, particularly in the western United States. Myrtle spurge poses a danger to humans and livestock due to its milky sap, which is extremely toxic.
Habitat – Native to the Mediterranean region, myrtle spurge thrives in sunny, dry, and rocky areas. Its adaptability to poor soils and arid climates has contributed to its invasive nature.
Ecological Impact – Myrtle spurge is aggressive and outcompetes native plants for resources, reducing biodiversity. It often forms dense monocultures, displacing native species and altering ecosystems.
Seed Dispersal –The plant produces seeds that are ejected explosively from the seed capsules, spreading the plant over large areas.
Toxicity
Toxic Sap – All parts of the plant contain a milky latex sap that is toxic and can cause severe irritation.
Skin Contact – Exposure to the sap can lead to redness, itching, rashes, and severe blistering. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience more severe reactions.
Eye Contact – If the sap gets into the eyes, it can cause intense pain, swelling, and temporary vision impairment. Immediate flushing of the eyes with water is recommended.
Ingestion – Consuming any part of the plant can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Allergic Reactions – Some people may have allergic responses to the sap, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Protective Measures – When handling myrtle spurge, wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to minimize the risk of sap exposure.
Management and Weed Control
Removal – Manual removal can be effective but requires care to avoid sap exposure. The entire root system must be removed to prevent regrowth.
Chemical Control – Most herbicides (even chemicals) are ineffective against myrtle spurge, leaving treatment options fairly limited. Organo-Lawn does offer control options for myrtle spurge; however, we currently there aren’t any effective organic alternatives.
Prevention –Avoid planting myrtle spurge in gardens or landscapes, especially in regions where it is invasive.
Legal Status
In Colorado, myrtle spurge is classified as a noxious weed. It is listed as a noxious weed in Colorado and Utah, where landowners are often required to control this weed on their property.
Organo-Lawn proudly offers a specialized myrtle spurge weed killer designed to tackle this notoriously tough noxious weed. If you have received a notice from your local County mandating that you eradicate myrtle spurge from your property, we are here to provide you with effective weed control solutions tailored for both your needs and your rural landscape. Myrtle spurge is on the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s noxious weed list, making its removal not just important, but a legal requirement.
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Bindweed Control in Field Grass
Bindweed is a creeping weed that typically germinates in lawns in Boulder and Fort Collins between May and August. It has an extensive root system and is often identifiable by its white, pink, or yellow flowers. Bindweed can quickly take over an entire yard or native grass area and is resistant to even the strongest weed killers.
If you have both bindweed and other types of weeds, we can effectively combine Milestone weed killer with Drive XLR8 weed control. This combination will provide effective control of both the native area weeds and the bindweed.
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Ideal Time to Have Weed Control Applied
Spring: Late May or Early June
Summer: July
Fall: Late August or early September
Any time that weeds are actively growing
Application Season:
April 23rd-Sept 15th
Milestone Spec Sheets
Milestone is registered by Dow AgroSciences LLC under the EPA Reg. NO. 62719-519 and is also registered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture
How Much is Weed Control for Native Grass Areas
If you would like help in controlling any of these difficult pasture land weeds or other weeds growing on your property please give our offices a call to discuss your weed control options.
Boulder (303) 499-2000 or Fort Collins (970) 225-9425
Weed Control for Rock and Mulch Areas FAQs
What is the best way to kill Canada thistle in rangeland areas?
The most effective method for controlling Canada thistle in native grass areas is by using a specialty herbicide called Milestone. This herbicide is registered on the EPA’s reduced risk list and is one of the best options for targeting Canada thistle. Cattle and other grazing animals can graze in the treated areas immediately after application. Typical control rates for Canada thistle and musk thistle range from 90% to 95% per application. To achieve complete control over a significant thistle problem, it usually requires 2 to 3 applications of the herbicide.
Is Milestone an organic weed control?
Milestone is not an organic weed control; however, it is included on the EPA’s reduced risk list. This designation indicates that it is a weed killer that poses less risk to human health and the environment compared to conventional alternatives. The goal of the EPA’s reduced risk program is to offer viable alternatives to more harmful pesticides, including neurotoxins, carcinogens, reproductive and developmental toxicants, and groundwater contaminants.
A native area consists of native grasses rather than turf grass lawns. It typically does not require irrigation or fertilization and has a sparse presence of trees.
We recommend a product called Milestone which is approved for use on pasture lands and it is also on the EPA’s Reduced Risk List.
Yes, please cut or mow the area to be treated so that the grass is 8 inches or shorter. Tall grass makes it very difficult to see the weeds and almost impossible to pull the hose through the tall grass.
If we arrive and the grass is taller than 10 inches, we reserve the right to charge a fee of 50% of the service price. This charge is necessary because we will not be able to complete the job, and we will have already prepared the product, which will go to waste. If you need to postpone the application to allow more time for mowing, please contact our office before the day of service to avoid the preparation of the product.
There is no fee for rescheduling if you notify us before the service date.
Not at this time and probably not in the future either. Rangeland weed controls require special testing from the EPA.
After we apply the treatment, please allow 7 to 14 days for the weeds to show signs of dying. Some weeds may be completely dead by the 14-day mark, while others may show signs of discoloration.
If you believe the application did not work properly, please contact our office. We will send a manager to inspect the area.
If some weeds remain unaffected, we will either explain that those specific weeds are not controllable (e.g., kochia) or we will provide a second treatment for the weeds that didn’t die.
The label says to keep off until the product has dried. We recommend waiting 24 hours to be extra cautious.