Don't Wait for Summer: Winter Is the Time to Get Ahead of Brush with Granular Herbicide Applications

When most landowners think about brush management, they think about summer; Mesquite foliar spraying for managing South Texas rangeland. However, not all brush management needs to happen during the summer growing season.

Winter presents another valuable opportunity to address woody brush, particularly with granular herbicides such as Spike 20P. For landowners looking to improve rangeland conditions, reduce competition from undesirable woody plants, and get ahead of another growing season, now is an excellent time to start planning.

A Different Approach to Brush Management

Unlike traditional foliar herbicide applications that rely on the leaves of actively growing woody plants to take the herbicide down to the plants root system, granular herbicides such as Spike 20P work through the soil.

The active ingredient, tebuthiuron, is moved into the soil with rainfall and absorbed through the roots of susceptible woody plants. This allows the herbicide to work below the surface rather than relying on direct coverage of the plant canopy.

This approach is particularly useful for addressing certain woody brush species common throughout South Texas, including:

• Guajillo

• Ceniza

• Whitebrush

• Blackbrush

• Lotebush

As with any herbicide application, effectiveness depends on the target species, soil characteristics, brush density, and proper application rates. Not every brush species or pasture is a good candidate for this type of treatment.

Why Winter Is an Important Application Window

One of the advantages of granular herbicides is that applications are not dependent on having actively growing leaves like many foliar treatments.

In fact, the Spike 20P label recommends making applications ahead of active seasonal growth in the spring or before expected seasonal rainfall. Dormant-season applications can also help minimize temporary herbicidal effects on desirable perennial forage grasses.

Applying during the winter allows landowners to take advantage of the seasonal transition and position the herbicide for movement into the root zone as rainfall occurs.

It is important to remember that rainfall plays a critical role in this process. Granular herbicides do not produce immediate results. The product must move into the soil and be absorbed by the target plant's roots. Visible brush decline can take time, and complete control may require an extended period.

That is why planning ahead matters.

Why Use a Spray Drone for Granular Applications?

Granular herbicide applications have traditionally presented some logistical challenges, particularly on larger ranches or properties with rough, brushy terrain.

Modern agricultural spray drones provide another option for applying granular products across rangeland.

Our drone is capable of applying both liquid and granular products, giving landowners access to multiple brush management strategies using the same aerial application technology.

The use of drones for granular applications offer several advantages:

• Access to difficult terrain: Treat areas that may be difficult or impractical to reach with conventional ground equipment.

• Efficient coverage: Cover larger treatment areas without the time and logistical demands of operating traditional ground equipment.

• Consistent application: Utilize calibrated application equipment and planned flight paths to deliver the prescribed product across the treatment area.

• Reduced ground disturbance: Avoid driving heavy equipment through sensitive rangeland and established pastures.

The ability to apply granular herbicides alongside traditional liquid applications gives landowners another option when developing a long-term brush management strategy.

Start Planning Your Winter Brush Management Now

Successful brush management is rarely accomplished with a single application or in a single season. Different species respond to different herbicides, and the best application method often depends on the plants being targeted and the conditions on the property.

For some properties, winter granular applications may be the right starting point. Other areas may be better suited for summer foliar applications or a combination of treatment strategies.

At Aerial Vegetation & Imagery Solutions, we work with South Texas landowners to identify practical aerial application opportunities that fit their brush management objectives.

If you have been considering treating guajillo, ceniza, whitebrush, or other susceptible woody brush species, now is the time to start evaluating your options and scheduling winter applications.

Don't wait until summer to start thinking about brush management. Take advantage of the winter application window and get ahead of another growing season.

Contact Aerial Vegetation & Imagery Solutions at 830.931.5455 to discuss your property and schedule a granular herbicide application.