How to Control or Remove Sagebrush

Mechanical

• Mowing/cutting – may resprout from roots.
• Hand pulling/grubbing – best for small patches; remove roots.
• Tilling – spring/fall when soil moist.
• Prescribed burning – effective but requires permits and safety measures.

Chemical

• Foliar herbicides – spring/fall during active growth.
• Basal bark sprays – late summer/fall when nutrients move to roots.
• Soil sterilants – spring/fall, moist soil.

Biological

• Insects: sagebrush defoliator, bud moth, root borer.
• Pathogens: blackbrush mosaic virus, Wyoming sagebrush die‑off.

Cultural / Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Seed competitive native grasses/forbs.
• Fertilise and irrigate to favour desired vegetation.
• Combine methods for sustainable, long‑term control.