Leafy Spurge Contol Recommendations

It is extremely difficult to achieve long-term control of leafy spurge. The most cost-effective control method depends on the size and location of the infested area. Small patches of leafy spurge can be permanently eliminated with a persistent herbicide program. However, all areas will require continued control measures. This plant spreads by underground roots and there is always a fringe area of younger plants that do not bloom. There are also roots underground that extend beyond the younger plants. A 15-foot perimeter should be treated around leafy spurge patches to control seedlings and spreading roots. Treated patches should be watched carefully for at least eight years, and any regrowth or seedlings should be aggressively retreated.

CHEMICAL CONTROL
The key to controlling leafy spurge is early detection and treatment of the initial invading plant. Because the weed is difficult to eradicate, a persistent management program is needed to control topgrowth and to gradually reduce the nutrient reserve in the root system. The most commonly used herbicides to control leafy spurge include Tordon 22K and 2,4-D. Plateau has been granted a special labeling for use on pastureland and CRP as well as other non-ag situations. These herbicides are selective for broadleaf weed control and generally do not harm grasses when applied at recommended rates. Plateau DG is available as water-soluble eco-packets used for weed control in native grass and wildflower establishment and other non-crop areas. Glyphosate (Roundup) is a nonselective herbicide that controls both grass and broadleaf weeds. BEFORE USING ANY HERBICIDE, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS.

TIMING HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS
Herbicides should be applied to leafy spurge at the proper growth stage so that optimum control can be achieved. Spring herbicide applications are most effective when applied about June first when the true flowers (not the yellow bracts) begin to appear on the leafy spurge plant. The optimum treatment time ends when the seeds begin to mature. Fall is also an excellent time to control leafy spurge. Fall regrowth will begin in leafy spurge in late August or September. During this time, carbohydrates are being transported to the roots for winter storage; herbicide translocation to the roots should also increase resulting in improved control.

SMALL INFESTATIONS
Plateau DG eco-paks for the acreage owner or for smaller infestations. One eco-pak will cover 2 acres at a rate of 4oz/A. A 3% solution of Roundup Pro as a spot treatment is also effective. Plateau may be applied 12 oz/A fall only, or 8oz/A in the fall followed by 4 oz/A in the spring.

CROPLAND
Use only those broadleaf herbicides listed on the label for the intended crop(s).

PASTURE, RANGE, AND CRP LAND
Plateau is quite effective for controlling leafy spurge. It may be applied as one application in the fall at a rate of 12 oz/A, or a split application of 8 oz/A in the fall, followed by a spring application at a rate of 4 oz/A. At no time should you apply more than 12 oz of Plateau in a one-year period. Tordon 22K is also effective for controlling leafy spurge. Spot treat with Tordon 22K at 1 qt./A applied about June first or early September. However, this application rate may not be economically feasible if a large area is infested with leafy spurge. A more cost-effective option is a tank mix of Tordon 22K at 1-2 pts/A plus 2,4-D at 1 qt of a 4#/gal concentration/A applied about June first and repeated annually. Annual applications at these rates will gradually reduce leafy spurge infestations. Control of leafy spurge seeding can be achieved with 2,4-D 1qt of a 1#/gal concentrate/A, but will not provide control of the roots. The most aggressive approach is to apply herbicides in both the spring and fall. Whatever control measures you choose, a consistent and thorough control plan should be implemented.

CONTROL AMONG TREES AND IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Leafy spurge top growth in trees can be controlled by 2,4-D applied at the rate of 1qt/A of a 4#/gal concentrate. Care must be taken to avoid contacting tree foliage with either the herbicide or spray drift to prevent tree injury. Roundup applied in the spring and fall will control top growth and reduce roots. Apply to only active growing plants, taking care not to get any chemical on desired plants.