Woody invasion

Photo: G. Trottier, Canadian Wildlife Service

One of the most chronic pasture-management problems in the northern and eastern fringes of the Mixed Prairie, the Fescue Prairie, and the remaining Tallgrass Prairie, is woody invasion. This is largely attributable to elimination of fire disturbance.

Fescue grassland area burned in mid-May
Photo: L. Carbyn, Canadian Wildlife Service

Fescue grassland area burned in mid-May to control woody invasion. Green-up on burned areas attracts wildlife and livestock grazing. If burning a pasture, try to burn the whole unit which will be open to grazing at any one time. Newly-burned areas must be protected from cattle grazing until the grasses have had a chance to re-grow and store energy reserves. Heavy cattle grazing in August can be used to kill aspen and willow suckers that sprout following a burn.