Bluestem control

[TEPaul]

While speaking to a New England golf chairman the other day he menitioned how much trouble the club was having controlling some really tough bluestem. He said the roots were many feet deep in some places. The super at this course is really good too so it must be a big problem. They've tried burning it and dealing with it every way they can think of.

Do any New England supers have any bright ideas on how to control really tough bluestem?

[Joe Hancock]

Tom,

I assume this is Big Bluestem that you're referring to. Little Bluestem, if left unirrigated and unfertilized, is a great component to a naturalized rough.

Being diligent with glyphosate would be my only recommendation, but maybe there is other controls. Burning would likely only encourage it.

Joe

[paul cowley]

Tom,

I assume this is Big Bluestem that you're referring to. Little Bluestem, if left unirrigated and unfertilized, is a great component to a naturalized rough.

Being diligent with glyphosate would be my only recommendation, but maybe there is other controls. Burning would likely only encourage it.

Joe

Great post Joe!....definately one of best of your Last Ten Posts category.

...but seriously, it is always nice to learn something from a competent source.

[Michael_Stachowicz]

Little Bluestem can be controlled with Envoy, Sethoxydim, and/or Fusilade.  I do not which one is better yet.  It will take out all grasses except for fescues, so one obviously has to be careful out on the course with such a concoction.  He would have to wait until the Little Bluestem (funny it isn't little or blue) breaks dormancy in the spring/summer to treat.  I hope this helps.