Woody encroachment in grasslands can be managed by various methods, including prescribed burning, mechanical control, and chemical control. The level of encroachment, along with other factors like cost and available equipment, will help determine the most effective removal practice. The key to successful woody plant management is to recognize potential problems early and control encroachment before it becomes severe. Good grazing and pasture management can limit recurrence when woody plants are consistently monitored, and small plants are removed.
Understanding the level of encroachment (along with other factors) helps land managers select the proper management practice to control woody plants. In many situations, a combination of practices, such as mechanically cutting trees followed by a prescribed burn, is most effective. Use the chart below, provided by Great Plains Grassland Extension Partnership, to select the best removal practice for your scenario.
Prescribed Burning
For intact grassland, dispersal & recruitment, encroached, and transitioned to woodland
Prescribed burns are fires intentionally set under specific conditions. They are based on a burn plan and coordinated with a team. The cheapest way to control invasive trees is prescribed burning at regular intervals, especially in areas with scattered trees or low tree density. Prescribed fire will help land managers stay ahead of the problem before more expensive methods of control are needed. Learn more >>
Mechanical Control
For encroached and transitioned to woodland
Mechanical clearing is a way to remove woody plants using tools such as chainsaws, skid steers, tree shredders, and mulchers. Depending on which practice is selected, mechanical control can be labor-intensive and expensive. It is also often used in conjunction with other practices. For instance, additional treatments, especially prescribed fire, prevent reinfestation and keep grasslands clear and healthy. Learn more >>
Chemical Control
For intact grassland, dispersal & recruitment, and encroached
Most woody plants are susceptible to chemical application in the form of herbicides. Effectively controlling woody encroachment through chemical control depends greatly on using the correct chemical at the right time and at the proper rate. Other environmental factors like precipitation, temperature, and wind will affect the success of chemical spraying. Learn more >>
Maintenance
For intact grassland and dispersal & recruitment
The key to successfully managing a grassland is to recognize potential woody encroachment problems early and control them before they become severe. Good grazing and pasture management can limit woody plants when they are consistently monitored, and small plants are removed. Good grazing management is a critical aspect of grassland health, and none of the control options listed above will work fully without proper grazing management. Learn more >>
Practice Comparison
No single management practice is ideal for every situation. Management options range from using a single method to a combination of fire, mechanical removal, and chemical application. Often, a combination of practices is most successful. To help land managers control eastern redcedar and ashe juniper, Oklahoma State Extension compiled a report on best management practices by habitat type, level of encroachment, and scale of the target area. Treatments include different prescribed burning options, hand tools, bobcat with clippers, hydraulic saw, bulldozers, and others.