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| Native grass plantings are almost always weedy the first
year of establishment. This is mainly due to the fact
that the soil has been disturbed during the site preparation
and/or planting process and this disturbance has stimulated
weeds seeds to germinate. Every year during annual tillage
of farm fields, these weed seeds lay dormant until disturbed
and then germinate. Most of the time you will not notice
these weeds because steps are taken during the management
of the crop to control these weeds. Unfortunately there
are few methods to control weeds during your first year
establishment of your native grasses. However, there are
steps and methods that can be taken to reduce the problem.
PLM staff will work with you closely on taking these steps
to provide faster wildlife habitat, a more successful
establishment or your native grasses and to ultimately
save you money as well. |
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First year native grass stand with various annual weeds
such as foxtail, pigweed and ragweed…along with
a nice developing stand of native grasses and wildflowers
(see the black-eyed susans). Annual weeds are excellent
sources of high protein seeds and excellent cover for
pheasants and other wildlife. Due to no annual tillage
or disturbance of the site, these annuals will faze
out each year.
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Controlling the "weed competition"
the first year is very important. The photo on the
left reveals just how important it is…the left
side of the photo received no herbicide application
and the right side received 1.5 qt./ac. roundup. The
site on the right side has a nice stand of native
grass developing while the left side has a nice stand
of quack grass, more thistles and more pocket gopher
mounds. The right photo shows PLM staff standing in
a 1st year planting... already knee high!
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Habitat Information: Is it a Weed or was it Planted?