14/08/2025
Weeds are a common problem on horse properties, especially when pastures get overgrazed - add a bit of rain, temperatures starting to warm up and the w**ds can really get away from you.
But before you head out with the tools and sprays, consider what your w**ds are telling you.
The most common reason horse paddocks have w**ds is that the grass simply isn't healthy enough to compete - and that is usually caused by overgrazing and insufficient rest.
Weeds are pioneering plants that are actually (in their own way) trying to help restore your soil! This is why they often have deep tap roots (that are impossible to pull out!) - these help decompact the soil.
They also grow because they can take advantage of an environmental niche - the soil conditions and nutrients are *just right* for that particular species.
It's important to determine whether you need to remove the w**ds, or build up the pasture before trying to remove w**ds (unless they are toxic) - or both!
But be careful - making a small dent in your w**d population will actually free up those nutrients and conditions they liked so much, causing them to increase their growth rate (because there's more food!), and potentially creating a bigger problem!
If you are removing w**ds, think about how you are going to "mop up" those nutrients - can you quickly encourage the surrounding grasses to take over? Or perhaps you can plant some new seeds that can take the place of the w**ds.
Just don't be too hasty 🧐
