Native grasslands in northcentral Kansas were being taken over by invasive honeylocust trees on approximately 100 acres. To demonstrate effective control methods, researchers established a test plot and hosted two field days attended by 110 landowners and managers representing over 5,000 acres impacted by invasive species. Eight of nine chemical treatments tested were effective at controlling honeylocust trees. Participants learned that grass production had declined as invasive plants spread unchecked. With proper control of invasives, grass yields could increase, providing more grazing land.

1. Native Grassland Losses Due To Invasive Plant Species
Rachael R. Boyle, Kansas State University
Abstract
Honeylocust tree invasion is a fairly common problem along streams and rivers in Northcentral Kansas. A landowner identified
approximately 100 acres of native rangeland along the Solomon River near Glade, KS that was being taken over by Honeylocust trees. With
the landowners permission it was decided to have a test plot demonstrating various chemicals and chemical application methods that could
be used to control Honeylocust trees. Two Locust Tree Control Field Days were hosted with a total attendance of 110 people. Participants
represented nine counties and 5000 plus acres with Honeylocust, Eastern Red Cedar, or another invasive plant species. Survey response
indicated participants now realize the lost grass production that has occurred over time as these invasive plant species were allowed to take
over. With proper control and management of the invasive plant species, grass production in these areas should increase resulting in more
grazable acres.
Objective Results & Impact
• Develop a program to provide land managers with the • From survey results of the 110 landowners and land managers that
knowledge and skills needed to control invasive plant species. attended, over 5,000 acres have been claimed by invasive plant
species.
Process • Eight of the nine chemical treatments and application methods
• The North Central Prairie Weed Management Area members used were effective in controlling the Honeylocust trees.
identified a field day site.
• Land managers now realize the lost grass production that occurred
• A $5,000 grant was obtained from the Kansas Center for over time as these invasive plant species were allowed to take over.
Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE)
(KCARE).
• Land managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to control
the Honeylocust trees, resulting in renewed acres for grass
Implementation
production.
• Field Day 1, June 5, 2008, demonstrated nine different control
methods. Field Day 2, June 11, 2009, reviewed efficacy of the
treatments.
• A list of various chemical types that could be used to control
Honeylocust trees was provided to attendees.
• Nine treatments with five chemical types and three application
2 3 4
methods were demonstrated at Field Day 1 (Figure 2 and Figure
3). Figures 2-4: Girdling a Honeylocust tree . (Fig. 2) Applying
chemical to a girdled Honeylocust tree. (Fig. 3) Results one week
• Honeylocust trees were monitored to see which combination of
y
after application (Fig 4)
application. (Fig.
chemical types and application methods worked most effectively
(Figure 1 and Figure 4). In the spring of 2010, a follow-up survey indicated that
nine land managers had controlled 1,200 acres of
Honeylocust trees. One land manager cut and chemically
treated over 400 trees in the fall of 2009.
Acknowledgements
1
Thanks to the following organizations for their support of this
Figure 1. Land managers learning about controlling invasive plant program; the North Central Prairie Weed Management Area, K-State
species. Research and Extension, Solomon Valley RC&D and KCARE.