With the warmer weather and the grass starting to green up, now is the time to renovate and clean up pastures for better utilization later this summer.

Winter feeding or exercise areas should be leveled and reseeded as soon as possible to limit weed growth and establish a thick grass stand for summer.

Now is also a good time to apply a little fertilizer and most pastures would benefit from 50 units of nitrogen. You also may want to consider adding a little potash to help improve disease and drought resistance.

A blended fertilizer like 32-0-16 applied at 150 pounds per acre will help boost spring growth and may provide a little hay making.

If you haven’t soil tested for several years, taking a test or two will give you an idea of lime or other nutrients you may be deficient in. Lime is critical for good pasture and both calcium and magnesium improve plant structure and growth potential. These are critical in helping the plant bounce back from grazing and frequent traffic areas.

Weed issues can also be a problem in spring. Most can be controlled through clipping or grazing while others can quickly dominate an area.

Multiflora rose can be a major problem and can quickly get out of hand. Herbicide is the best control method and Cimarron Plus is recommended by the Penn State Agronomy Guide to effectively control most multiflora rose less than 3 feet.

Heavy infestation or larger bushes may require multiple treatments or a tank mix of Cimarron and 2, 4-D Ester. Plants should be treated once fully leafed, typically around flower bloom.

Thistle, another problematic weed, can be managed through clipping. However, heavy stands should be treated. Several herbicides, including Stinger or a tank mix of 2, 4-D and banvel are effective in their control.

Refer to the label for specific application times, but typically the highest effectiveness is achieved between rosette and 2 to 4 inches tall.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.