An important consideration prior to applying control is to determine if enough desirable plants are present to replace the controlled plants. If desired vegetation is scarce or absent control will be of little value. Most control methods harm other plants. The resulting disturbances favor reinvasion by smooth brome or other exotic species. Cultural control methods for smooth brome include prescribed burning and grazing.
Most studies conclude that late spring prescribed burning works well to reduce smooth brome.
Timing of prescribed burns is extremely important. This is due to the importance of catching the plant at the correct phenological stage, when the growth point has been elevated above ground level. Fire at this time will kill the tiller. The literature indicates that the root reserves are at the lowest just prior to or at the boot stage. This should be an optimal time for prescribed burning to control smooth brome, providing the timing of this burn will not adversely effect desirable vegetation.