Switchgrass - To Mow Again??

[QDM]

Originally was sprayed with roundup spring 2025 after a light discing, then broadcast seeded/packed. Didn’t get it mowed last year because I waited too long looking for switch to pop and then felt like it was too late so just let it go.

Then ran fire through the tangled mess of foxtail / mares tail winter 2026. Had a nice clean/dirt exposed seed bed after burning so I frost seeded more RC big rock and also CIR.

I think (hope) these are some young switch plants coming up but if someone with more experience can advise it would be appreciated?!? Also, I’ve mowed once (mid June) and wondering if I should mow again?

Thanks in advance!



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[Snail3496]

A few of those photos appear to be switch. Still, super thin stand for being year two. What month in '26 did you burn it? I find that the later into spring you can burn it, the better for switch. Like late April if possible.

Don't over complicate switch, so many people do online.

 

[QDM]

Thanks snail! I burned it mid February because my justification was to frost seed more which I did right after the burn.

Im also fine with a dirtier stand of switch just not sure what’s best for the seed that is still hopefully in the seed bank or fighting through the weeds?


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[habitat]

I keep mine mowed 1 ft tall until established.The fire can kill seed thats in the ground

 

[Snail3496]

I keep mine mowed 1 ft tall until established.The fire can kill seed thats in the ground

Fire will not kill switch the spring AFTER it's planted

 

[DMarley83]

If it were mine , I would let it go that way you have cover this year, then burn it off in april.

I've done similar a few times now with success

 

[IowaBowHunter1983]

DURACOR

 

[habitat]

It can kill the seeds,I have seen it happen even on drilled crop fields,main reason I don't burn for 2 years

 

[habitat]

I guess unless you are saying theres something special about switch that I haven't seen VS other seeds

 

[Bassattackr]

Have any photos further back? So we can see a larger area of the stand?

FWIW, I typically mow in late March / Early April after the first year. This is purposely to be right after cool season, beginning of warm season. You may be further into April depending on how far north. When I first see sprouts at the base of the plant is when I mow.

After that, it's good to go.

 

[IowaBowHunter1983]

Expanding on above. We no longer mow switchgrass.... ever.

Duracor is the bomb. Highly recommend.

 

[QDM]

I really appreciate all the advice. I was able to confirm that a lot of what I thought was switch had the tiny little hairs at the base of the stem.

I don’t currently have access to a sprayer like before, however the preferred duracor route will be a priority for future plantings!

I was able to take additional pictures to show more of the area. I think the taller switch is likely from last years seeding but I’m also seeing shorter plants that are closer in height to the weeds…and assume they’re from this years frost seeding .

With that said would mowing now help, hurt or not really make much difference either way? I can certainly be patient and mow off the cover for this year if it would help in the long run but if letting it go at this point won’t negatively affect the newer/shorter switch’s ability to compete then I’ll let it go and plan for duracor next year.


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[Bassattackr]

I would not mow right now. Switch is a warm season plant. You don't want to set it back during its peak growth season. What's already established will be fine.

I'd spray next spring, around April to May of next year.