Honey locust control in hay fields

[bin.bag]

I've got honey locust starting to creep into one of my hay fields and I'd like to get ahead of it before it spreads. They're scattered enough that I don't want to blanket spray and risk damaging the grass, so I'm thinking of doing spot treating instead. The question is whether it makes more sense to rent a bigger sprayer setup or just buy a smaller one I can keep around for jobs like this. I also want to be sure I'm spraying the right mix so I actually kill the trees and not just burn the leaves.
But I'd love some advice and suggestions bcos this is gonna be my first time doing this

 

[s@k3_s@k3]

I've got honey locust starting to creep into one of my hay fields and I'd like to get ahead of it before it spreads. They're scattered enough that I don't want to blanket spray and risk damaging the grass, so I'm thinking of doing spot treating instead. The question is whether it makes more sense to rent a bigger sprayer setup or just buy a smaller one I can keep around for jobs like this. I also want to be sure I'm spraying the right mix so I actually kill the trees and not just burn the leaves.
But I'd love some advice and suggestions bcos this is gonna be my first time doing this

you should absolutely buy a smaller backpack sprayer. Renting a bigger setup is overkill and a pain to maneuver in a field.
A good backpack sprayer will give you the control you need to hit each tree without overspraying.
Plus, it's a versatile tool you'll have on hand for other weed and pest jobs around the farm. It'll pay for itself in one season

 

[r9nger_hf]

I've got honey locust starting to creep into one of my hay fields and I'd like to get ahead of it before it spreads. They're scattered enough that I don't want to blanket spray and risk damaging the grass, so I'm thinking of doing spot treating instead. The question is whether it makes more sense to rent a bigger sprayer setup or just buy a smaller one I can keep around for jobs like this. I also want to be sure I'm spraying the right mix so I actually kill the trees and not just burn the leaves.
But I'd love some advice and suggestions bcos this is gonna be my first time doing this

I second @s@k3_s@k3! Getting a backpack sprayer is solid, especially for what you're describing. For the spray mix, a lot of folks around here have good luck with a triclopyr product, like Remedy Ultra, mixed with diesel or a basal oil. That's a good approach for dormant stem applications, which you can do in the fall or winter when the grass is dormant. If you're going after them now, a good triclopyr/2,4-D amine combo like Crossbow should do the trick on the leaves and stems. Just make sure to read the label carefully for the right concentration for woody plants and to avoid off-target damage. You'd also want to add a good surfactant to help it stick!

 

[calypso]

Use a smaller backpack sprayer you can keep and use anytime. It's way easier to target each tree without overspray, and you don't have to worry about wasting chemicals or hurting your grass. Just make sure whatever mix you use is recommended for honey locust

 

[Full3r]

Spot treating with a cut stump or basal bark herbicide like Crossbow or Garlon works best