Birdsfoot trefoil is a deep-rooted perennial legume that invades pastures, hay fields, and unmanaged grasslands. While beneficial in controlled forage systems, uncontrolled trefoil reduces pasture productivity and competes aggressively with desirable grasses.

Its ability to reseed and regenerate from established root systems makes manual removal or mowing insufficient. Land managers often face repeated infestations unless proper chemical control is applied strategically.

Selecting the right herbicide depends on infestation severity, land use, application timing, and formulation type. Systemic, residual, and post-emergent products each serve different management goals.

Properly applied, herbicides can reduce trefoil populations by over 80% and restore grass dominance. Using the wrong product or application method can result in temporary burn-back with rapid regrowth.

In this guide, we review the 10 best herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil, each targeting a specific task, formulation, mode of action, and field context. This ensures comprehensive coverage for pastures, hay fields, rangeland, and roadsides.

10 Best Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil

1. GrazonNext HL – Best Overall Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil in Pasture

GrazonNext HL is the best overall herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil in pasture, providing systemic control of both foliage and roots. Its aminopyralid and 2,4-D formulation ensures complete plant elimination rather than temporary dieback.

 

The product works as a post-emergent systemic herbicide, moving through the plant’s vascular system to disrupt growth hormones. Its liquid formulation allows uniform application across large pasture areas.

Field tests show GrazonNext HL reduces trefoil by over 80% when applied during active growth or early flowering. It preserves forage grasses, allowing pasture recovery without creating bare spots.

Farmers report easier application with standard sprayers and consistent long-term results. Its reliability and proven performance make it the top choice for rotational grazing and large-scale pastures.

Pros:
• Strong systemic action
• Excellent pasture selectivity
• Reduces regrowth
• Broad legume control
• Reliable one-season results
• Proven field performance
• Minimal retreatment

Cons:
• Not lawn-safe
• Restricted in some regions
• Higher cost

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2. ForeFront HL – Best Residual Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil Prevention

ForeFront HL is the best residual herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil prevention, targeting seedlings before they establish. Its aminopyralid formulation provides long-lasting soil activity to suppress new growth.

 

This product acts systemically and provides moderate residual control, ideal for preventing reinfestation across pastures. It is formulated as a liquid concentrate, compatible with standard boom sprayers.

ForeFront HL works well in large-acreage pastures, ensuring seedling control for several months. Land managers report fewer retreatments and improved pasture density over the growing season.

Its long-term prevention reduces labor and herbicide costs over time. The combination of systemic action and residual effect makes it a preferred choice for proactive pasture management.

Pros:
• Long soil residual
• Prevents seedling emergence
• Low application frequency
• Pasture grass safe
• Effective on large acreage
• Reliable suppression
• Consistent results

Cons:
• Slower visible results
• Higher upfront cost
• Timing critical

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3. Chaparral Herbicide – Best Selective Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil in Grasslands

Chaparral is the best selective herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil in mixed grasslands, preserving desirable grasses. Its aminopyralid and metsulfuron blend targets legumes systemically for effective control.

 

The herbicide disrupts plant growth hormones and works slowly, minimizing stress responses and improving kill rates. Formulated as a water-soluble liquid, it allows easy mixing and uniform field application.

It is particularly effective in established grass stands, where selective control is needed without harming surrounding vegetation. Users report steady reduction of trefoil within 2–3 weeks of application.

Chaparral is ideal for managed grasslands, conservation areas, and pastures requiring expert-level selective treatment. Its precise action ensures minimal environmental impact.

Pros:
• Highly selective
• Low application rate
• Strong systemic action
• Long-lasting suppression
• Grass-safe formulation
• Professional-grade results
• Efficient coverage

Cons:
• Slower knockdown
• Requires precise mixing
• Not suitable for lawns

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4. Milestone Herbicide – Best Long-Term Control Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil

Milestone is the best long-term control herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil, designed to prevent regrowth across multiple seasons. Its aminopyralid base provides systemic action combined with residual soil activity.

The herbicide inhibits growth hormones and targets deep roots, ensuring complete plant removal. Formulated as a liquid concentrate, it allows accurate application for professional pasture management.

Milestone performs well in rangeland and conservation areas with dense trefoil populations. Field users report 90% control and reduced retreatment needs.

It is suitable for large pastures and areas requiring multi-season suppression. Milestone’s reliability makes it a professional-grade solution for long-term management.

Pros:
• Extended residual activity
• Prevents regrowth
• Low application rates
• Excellent systemic control
• Reliable on established stands
• Long-lasting results
• Proven performance

Cons:
• Delayed visual response
• Not suitable for lawns
• Requires careful timing

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5. 2,4-D Amine – Best Budget Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil Control

2,4-D Amine is the best budget herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil control in early infestations. It works as a growth regulator, causing hormone disruption and plant dieback.

The herbicide is post-emergent and formulated as an amine salt, compatible with backpack or boom sprayers. It is ideal for small-scale or cost-conscious applications.

Early application targets young trefoil plants effectively, reducing competition with desirable forage. Farmers report visible burn-back within days of application.

2,4-D Amine is best for small pastures or initial infestation stages. While not residual, it provides a low-cost, reliable control option.

Pros:
• Affordable
• Widely available
• Easy to apply
• Effective on young plants
• Fast visible results
• Compatible with pastures
• Good entry-level option

Cons:
• Limited residual
• Repeat treatments required
• Less effective on mature plants

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6. Crossbow Herbicide – Best Broadleaf Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil in Non-Crop Areas

Crossbow is the best broadleaf herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil in non-crop areas like fence lines or roadsides. Its combination of triclopyr and 2,4-D penetrates foliage and provides systemic control.

The ester-based formulation delivers rapid knockdown of trefoil while controlling other broadleaf weeds. It is applied via boom or spot sprayers for precise coverage.

Crossbow works best on mature plants and mixed infestations with brush or invasive species. Users note rapid visual results, allowing for follow-up pasture restoration.

It is ideal for land managers reclaiming non-grazed land or roadside areas. Its performance ensures minimal regrowth with correct application.

Pros:
• Strong penetration
• Fast knockdown
• Broad-spectrum control
• Effective on mature plants
• Reliable in warm weather
• Tough weed control
• Proven formulation

Cons:
• Not pasture-safe
• Can harm desirable plants
• Limited residual

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7. Tordon 22K – Best Heavy-Infestation Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil

Tordon 22K is the best heavy-infestation herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil, ideal for reclaiming severely overrun pastures. Its picloram formulation moves systemically to kill deep roots and prevent resprouting.

This herbicide provides long-term residual control in soil, reducing reinfestation for multiple seasons. It is available as a liquid concentrate for precise application in industrial settings.

Tordon 22K excels in large-scale restoration or industrial land management. Land managers report effective reduction of dense trefoil populations within a single season.

It is intended for professional users due to regulatory restrictions and environmental precautions. When used correctly, it delivers unmatched control for severe infestations.

Pros:
• Extremely powerful
• Deep root control
• Long soil residual
• Ideal for severe infestations
• Reclaims degraded land
• Proven effectiveness
• Professional-grade

Cons:
• Restricted use
• Environmental precautions required
• Not suitable near water

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8. Weedmaster – Best Fast-Acting Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil Knockdown

Weedmaster is the best fast-acting herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil knockdown, providing immediate visual control. Its dicamba and 2,4-D combination targets actively growing plants.

The ester-based formulation allows rapid foliar absorption for quick suppression. It can be applied via boom sprayer or spot treatment in large pastures.

Weedmaster works best when applied during peak growth, producing visible dieback within days. Farmers appreciate its ability to quickly reduce pressure before pasture renovation.

Ideal for time-sensitive operations or pre-seeding treatments. Its fast action allows land managers to prepare for follow-up pasture management efficiently.

Pros:
• Fast visible results
• Broad-spectrum activity
• Easy availability
• Strong knockdown
• Works in cool weather
• Effective on young growth
• Reliable performance

Cons:
• Short residual
• Drift risk
• Follow-up treatment needed

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9. PastureGard HL – Best Post-Emergent Herbicide For Actively Growing Birdsfoot Trefoil

PastureGard HL is the best post-emergent herbicide for actively growing Birdsfoot Trefoil in grass-based pastures. Its triclopyr formulation is selective to legumes while maintaining forage grass safety.

It provides systemic action, moving through leaves and stems to disrupt growth hormones. Formulated as a liquid concentrate, it allows even coverage in boom or backpack sprayers.

Applied during active growth, it delivers consistent suppression and minimal stress to grasses. Professional pasture managers report reliable results with mature and dense stands.

Post-treatment, PastureGard HL improves forage productivity by eliminating trefoil competition. Its selective action ensures pasture balance is maintained.

Pros:
• Strong post-emergent action
• Grass-selective
• Reliable control
• Consistent performance
• Effective on mature plants
• Professional-grade
• Easy integration

Cons:
• No residual control
• Timing-sensitive
• Not lawn-safe

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10. Cimarron Max – Best Low-Rate Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil Suppression

Cimarron Max is the best low-rate herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil suppression, designed for maintenance applications. Its metsulfuron-based systemic action targets deep roots while preserving grasses.

The product works at extremely low application rates, reducing chemical usage and cost. It is available as a water-soluble concentrate for easy mixing and uniform coverage.

Cimarron Max is ideal for controlled grasslands and lightly infested areas. Users report steady suppression and compatibility with rotational grazing systems.

Its low-rate formulation allows precise maintenance control without over-application. When integrated into an overall weed management plan, it reduces regrowth and labor.

Pros:
• Very low use rate
• Cost-efficient
• Grass-selective
• Effective systemic action
• Professional-grade
• Lightweight formulation
• Easy storage

Cons:
• Slower results
• Limited knockdown
• Best for maintenance use

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FAQs – Herbicide For Birdsfoot Trefoil

What is the most effective herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil?
Aminopyralid-based products like GrazonNext HL and ForeFront HL provide consistent, long-term control.

When is the best time to apply herbicide to Birdsfoot Trefoil?
Late spring to early summer during active growth or early flowering is ideal.

Can Birdsfoot Trefoil be controlled without harming grass?
Yes, selective pasture herbicides target trefoil while leaving desirable forage grasses intact.

Does mowing remove Birdsfoot Trefoil?
No, mowing alone is ineffective and often encourages regrowth.

Is residual control important?
Residual herbicides prevent seedling establishment and reduce reinfestation.

Can Birdsfoot Trefoil return after treatment?
Yes, reinfestation occurs without correct timing, product choice, and follow-up.

Are multiple applications ever required?
Severe infestations may need repeat treatments for full control.

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Conclusion

Choosing the best herbicide for Birdsfoot Trefoil requires matching products to specific tasks, infestation levels, application contexts, and modes of action. Pasture-safe systemic herbicides like GrazonNext HL provide reliable long-term control, while residual products like ForeFront HL prevent new seedling establishment.

Fast-acting herbicides, such as Weedmaster, offer rapid suppression for time-sensitive operations, whereas low-rate formulations like Cimarron Max are ideal for ongoing maintenance in established pastures. Professional-grade products like Tordon 22K reclaim severely infested land for multi-season control.

Using the correct herbicide with proper timing reduces labor, minimizes retreatment, and ensures pasture productivity. Integrated management of Birdsfoot Trefoil improves forage balance, reduces weed competition, and maximizes land value over the long term.