The last couple of weeks I’ve had an abundance of calls about control of prickly pears. While there are a couple of differing control options on the market, the TAMU Brush Busters recommends the product Surmount™ with picloram being the active ingredient that kills prickly pear and other cacti.

Using a pad or stem spray option and making certain to have good contact with each individual plant is reported to have a 76% to 100% root kill of prickly pear and other.  Another good thing about this product is that it can be applied year round, except during extremely cold weather. Apply the spray until the pads or stems are almost wet, but not to the point of runoff. Results will be faster and more consistent if both sides of the prickly pear pads are sprayed. Dieback can take two to three years on prickly pears.

Also remember to always fully read and follow herbicide label directions. If you are not interested in using chemical control but still ridding your place of cacti, the top removal option might be something to consider. This involves cutting the main root 2 to 4 inches below the soil surface with a grubbing hoe or shovel. Then remove the detached plant from the area. Keep in mind that prickly pear pads in contact with the soil will likely root and grow new plants.

And if you are an animal enthusiast, prickly pear isn’t always a bad thing to have around. Large prickly pear plants can serve as nesting sites for quail in areas where bunchgrasses are rare or heavily grazed. Prickly pear may also be of value as livestock feed during drought and as a food source for white-tailed deer.