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Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) need forbs, and the associated insects, for chick diet and growth in sagebrush habitat. In some cases, sagebrush cover may limit the abundance of forbs in the understory. Sage-grouse require sagebrush and large-scale shrub treatments are detrimental to sage-grouse populations. We implemented small (40.5 ha) shrub-management treatments of Dixie Harrow, Lawson Aerator, and Tebuthiuron (Spike) in a replicated plot design with control and monitored the response of herbaceous cover and grouse. We found that spike treatments demonstrated the strongest forb response, especially forbs that are known to be consumed by sage-grouse, and greater grouse use. This long-term response of forbs and grouse shows that small-scale shrub management may provide rangeland managers with methods to improving sage-grouse brooding habitat when needed.