Mesquite trees, everyone’s favorite “trash” tree. It can provide us with some really good firewood but it does pose some problems for range managers.
Despite being viewed by some as a poor quality rangeland plant a mesquite does have some benefits. One such benefit is that it can provide both food and cover for wildlife and livestock. Also, since it is classified as a legume it has the ability to fix nitrogen back into the soil.
Despite it’s benefits if it is left unmanaged it can dominate a rangeland. This will choke out any grass that you may have in the pasture providing less for your animal to eat. With it also being a very thirsty plant it will also suck your place dry if you let it get out of hand.
The thing to remember is that complete eradication is not possible but getting them under control is. Here are 5 steps that you can follow to do this.
Step 1: Determine Mesquite Cover
The amount of trees that you have in a pasture will determine which control method is best for your situation.
If there are more than 400 trees per acre a broadcast method such as aerial spraying will probably be the most cost and time effective for you.
There are two simple ways that you can use to get an estimate of the tree density on your site:
- Measure off at least 4 square areas that are 66 feet by 66 feet. Count the number of mesquite plants in these areas. Average the number of trees per square and then multiply by 10 to estimate the density
- Walk at least 4 lines that are about 363 feet toward a landmark in a pasture you want to measure. Turn around and walk back in a straight line while counting every mesquite tree within 3 feet of your path. Figure out the average from the 4 lines that you walked then multiply by 20.
Step 2: Select your Control Method
Now that you have determined the amount of trees that you are wanting to control you can move forward to selecting the method that you will use.
There are a few methods that you can use to control mesquite: foliar-spray method, stem-spray method, and the mechanical method. Fire is usually not a good method for just mesquite because it will not completely kill the tree .
Each method has it’s pros and cons so it is best to weigh the options and go with the one that works best for you and your pocketbook.
The key factor in any of the methods that you select is that it kills the tree’s bud. If you do not kill the bud then it will just grow back the next year.
I go into a little more detail about these methods in another article here.
Step 3: Select correct stage of mesquite life cycle
If you decided to go with a foliar-spray method then this step is very important. The mechanical and stem-spray method can really be used year round.
The life cycle typically begins with the tree’s bud break during the spring. It will usually start in the south and work it’s way north as the weather warms up.
Twigs and leaves will begin to grow when the soil temp reaches 65 to 75 degs F. This stage typically lasts for about 6 weeks.
45 days after bud break and when the soil temp 12 inches below the surface reaches 75 degs F it begins to replenish the carbohydrates in it’s root system. This stage is shown when there is no new twig growth and the leaves have a dark-green color to them. It is during this time that foliar-spray method will be the most effective.
Step 4: Use your Mesquite Control Plan
As you may have guessed this is the “action” part of the steps. This is where you go out and either spray or grub the trees in your pasture.
If you will be applying chemicals be sure to use the correct amount of herbicide in the correct amount. Too little herbicide and it will not be that effective while too much of it and it damage the soil environment. The Texas AgriLife Extension service has many resources available to help you in this matter.
Courtesy of Texas AgriLife Extension
If you are going to be using mechanical means then make sure that the root bud is removed. This will make sure that you will kill the plant and not have to go over it again.
Step 5: Repeat
Unfortunately controlling mesquite is not a “one and done” kind of process. You will always be having to go out and either spray of mechanically remove trees. It will take many years for you to get them into the stage of control that you are looking for.
Even if you have them under control you may still have to retreat the area every 3 to 7 years. It is generally easier to spray the younger trees in order to prevent new growth from occurring
Some other ideas you may use is:
- Hold off grazing a pasture where many seeds are produced
- Fence off areas with high mesquite seed production
- Confine your livestock 3 to 6 days after they have been in a pasture with a lot of mesquite beans to reduce the chance of carrying them to different areas
- Leave adequate grass to grow in order to discourage seedling establishment
