The Right Time to Use Arrest Maxx® and Slay Maxx®

By Joyce Allison Tredaway, Ph.D.

Managing weeds in food plots is all about timing, and when it comes to Arrest Maxx® and Slay Maxx®, applying them at the right moment makes all the difference. These herbicides are designed to work only when plants are actively growing, and understanding why helps you get the best results from every application.

Why Active Growth Matters

Arrest Maxx® and Slay Maxx® are systemic herbicides. That means they don’t just burn the tops off weeds—they move through the plant’s internal system to reach the growth points where real control happens.

For that to work, the plant must be:

• Producing new tissue
• Actively photosynthesizing
• Moving nutrients through its vascular system

When weeds are in this active-growth mode, they readily absorb the herbicide and transport it throughout the plant. This leads to consistent, reliable control.

Why Winter Applications Fail

Winter might seem like a convenient time to spray, but it’s actually the worst time for Arrest Maxx® and Slay Maxx®.

During cold months, most target weeds are:

• Dormant
• Not producing new growth
• Barely moving nutrients internally

Because of this, the herbicide can’t move through the plant the way it needs to. The result is poor performance and wasted product—something no food plotter wants.

When to Apply for Best Results

For maximum effectiveness, wait until weeds have broken dormancy and are actively growing. Ideal timing typically falls between:

Spring → Early Fall

During this window, environmental conditions support strong plant growth, which means:

• Better herbicide uptake
• Better movement within the plant
• Better overall control

If the plant is green, growing, and healthy, your herbicide will be too.

The Bottom Line

Arrest Maxx® and Slay Maxx® are powerful tools—but only when used at the right time. Hold off during winter dormancy, and plan your applications for the growing season when weeds are actively taking in nutrients. With proper timing, you’ll see cleaner plots, healthier forages, and better results all season long.