Brush (or shrub) encroachment is a global phenomenon whereby native and nonnative woody species displace grass species (Archer et al., 2017). The shift in a grass- to woody-dominated ecosystem results from complex interactions between many environmental drivers, physical controls, and historical land uses. A widespread conversion of grasslands to shrublands can significantly impact a variety of ecosystem processes and services such as soil erosion, water infiltration, and forage production (Archer & Predick, 2014). Range managers and land owners can employ several “brush management” treatments for reducing shrub/tree cover and help to restore encroached grasslands (Hamilton et al., 2004; Scifres et al., 1985).  

Brush management treatments are broken into four broad categories: biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical. The following web resources details each method individually and for application in combination to maximize their effectiveness (e.g., Integrated Brush Management Systems) to meet management goals:

In 2018, a series of workshops were hosted in southeastern Arizona to discuss historical and current trends of brush cover; brush management methods and stories of application; and working collaboratively to apply their collective knowledge to meet brush cover goals. Details on this workshop series including agendas, presentations, and videos can be found here: