Thistles in new switchgrass stand

[Daver]

I replanted all of my CRP last year into primarily a switchgrass stand. But this year I am seeing areas of too much thistle. I think I should spray and/or mow to control the thistle, but don't want to hurt the new switch either. What do you guys recommend in this case?

 

[150 Class]

24D

 

[MN2IAGuy]

I like to go after it with a machete or golf style cycle if there isn’t too much

 

[Daver]

24D

Should I contract a big sprayer to come in now and hit it with 24D? I think if I leave it until next Spring then I will have millions more seeds dispersed this fall.

 

[chipterp]

We spent three years getting rid of all the thistles in our farm and then we had to redo all the crp and now they are everywhere unfortunately. We give up.

 

[JNRBRONC]

Milestone herbicide, expensive but good on thistle.


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[Sligh1]

U know which type of thistle? Bull, Canadian and musk thistle r nasty & those are usually earlier in season. Tall thistle is out right now & those are native to Iowa. Those personally don’t bother me. The other 3 get hammered early in year before they develop flowers. Takes a few years with herbicides & making sure no seeds formed and gets much easier over time. Still need to stay on them.
http://iowaplants.com/flora/family/Asteraceae/cirsium/Cirsium_spp.html

 

[northcedar]

I like my switch I established several years ago, but it sure did unleash a fury of canadien thistles and poison hemlock. I think next year I'm going to get busy with Milestone or something.

 

[Daver]

The flower, some of which are now blooming, is a golf ball sized purple flower. The thistle plants are about 4' - 5' tall. Should I mow now? Spray now?