GRASSMATE

Not sure exactly what weed you're dealing with? Correct identification is the first step to getting good control.

Browse the Rainbow & Brown Weed File library to view photos of common New Zealand weeds and learn the best control options for each species.

Our Weed File includes practical information on problem weeds commonly found in pasture, hill country and lifestyle blocks, helping you match the right product to the right weed.

Tip: Identifying the weed first will help you choose the most effective control method and timing.

• Gorse, blackberry and broom control on hill country, run-off blocks and lifestyle blocks where you want the grass left standing
• Spot spraying ragwort, thistles, nettles, fennel and inkweed in established pasture
• Stump swabbing woody weeds like barberry, old man's beard, hawthorn, woolly nightshade, wattle and willow
• Broadleaf weed control in sports grounds and recreation area turf
• Spray contractors needing one product that covers brush weeds and pasture broadleaf weeds
• Anyone who used the original Tordon Brushkiller⁽⁴⁾ and wants the same actives at the same strength

GrassMate combines two active ingredients from the pyridine carboxylic acid family (herbicide Group 4): triclopyr as the butoxy ethyl ester and picloram as the amine salt.

Both actives are absorbed through leaves and stems and moved to the growing points, where they disrupt cell division and elongation. The weed twists, stops growing and dies. Picloram moves readily down into the root system, which is what gives the consistent kill on deep-rooted brush weeds like gorse and broom rather than just burning the tops off.

Because grasses tolerate both actives, common pasture and turf grasses carry on unharmed at the recommended rates. Weeds need to be actively growing for best results, and adding SuperWetter penetrant helps the spray get through waxy leaves for year-round spraying.

What it won't do: GrassMate won't control grass weeds, and it isn't clover friendly. Picloram is injurious to legumes, and residues in the soil can delay clover re-establishment after treatment. If keeping clover matters, look at PastureMate instead.

• Active ingredients: 300g/L triclopyr as the butoxyethyl ester plus 100g/L picloram as the amine salt
• Formulation: emulsifiable concentrate
• Herbicide group: Group 4 (auxin mimic, pyridine carboxylic acid family)
• Aerial application: 10L/ha for gorse, broom, blackberry, tutus and woolly nightshade; 12L/ha for sweet brier and matagouri; 2L/ha for lupin. Use 200–400L water/ha
• Handgun: 250–600ml/100L depending on species – see the rate table below
• Knapsack spot spraying: 6ml per litre of water (do not use this rate on turf)
• Stump swabbing: 1 part GrassMate to 20 parts water or diesel, applied to the freshly cut surface and stems
• Turf: 2L/ha, which is 20ml per 100m². Sports grounds and recreation areas. Coverage depends on how heavily you spray, so calibrate your sprayer first – see How to Convert Rate per Hectare. Don't use clippings from treated areas for compost or mulch for 6 months
• Adjuvant: add SuperWetter penetrant during slow growth periods or when weeds are stressed, for year-round spraying
• Grass safety: safe on common pasture and turf grasses at recommended rates. Not suitable for fine fescue lawns without testing a small area first
• Clover: will damage clover, and soil residues can delay clover re-establishment
• Withholding period: 1 day, as good agricultural practice. Poisonous plants like ragwort, inkweed and tutu can become more palatable after spraying, so keep stock off treated areas until those weeds have completely died down
• Registration: registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P7417. Approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, code HSR002485
• Pack sizes: 1L, 2L, 5L, 10L (2 x 5L) and 20L (4 x 5L), in jerrycans with tamper-evident screw caps, shipped in heavy-duty cartons with a detailed directions leaflet. 200L drums and 1000L IBCs available on enquiry
• Full details in the Product Label and Product Leaflet

The extract below from the product leaflet shows approximate rates. Always refer to the label and leaflet for complete directions.

Will GrassMate kill my grass?

No. At the recommended rates GrassMate leaves common pasture and turf grasses like ryegrass, tall fescue and browntop unharmed. The exception is fine fescue lawns, which it's generally not suitable for. Test a small area first if you're unsure.

Is GrassMate the same as the old Tordon Brushkiller?

GrassMate uses the same active ingredients at the same strength as the original Tordon Brushkiller⁽⁴⁾, which is no longer available. The current Tordon Brushkiller XT⁽⁴⁾ is a different formulation that adds aminopyralid. Our equivalent of that product is GrassMate XTRA.

What's the difference between GrassMate and GrassMate XTRA?

GrassMate XTRA adds a third active, aminopyralid, for extra punch on stubborn brush weeds and thistles. GrassMate is the straight triclopyr plus picloram mix, matching the original Tordon Brushkiller⁽⁴⁾ formulation.

When is the best time to spray gorse?

Gorse needs to be actively growing for good uptake, so spring to early summer works best in most conditions. During slow growth, or when gorse is stressed by hot, dry or frosty conditions, adding SuperWetter helps the spray penetrate the waxy spines and extends the spraying window. See our Gorse weed file for the full rundown.

Can I use GrassMate on my lawn?

GrassMate's turf use is for sports grounds and recreation areas, where it controls hydrocotyle, creeping oxalis, Onehunga weed and many other broadleaf weeds at 20ml per 100m². For home lawns, LawnMate is the one to reach for.

Do I need to keep stock off sprayed areas?

A 1-day withholding period applies as good agricultural practice. The bigger risk is poisonous weeds: ragwort, inkweed and tutu can become more palatable to stock after spraying while staying poisonous, so keep animals (especially horses) off treated areas until those weeds have completely died down.

Always read and follow label directions before use.

Avoid spray drift onto gardens, vegetables, ornamentals and other desirable plants. Triclopyr and picloram are highly active on broadleaf plants at low doses.

Wear appropriate protective equipment when mixing and applying agricultural chemicals.

We ship GrassMate NZ wide.