HomeMy WebLinkAboutphrag management protocol from Cape Organics
Natural Solutions for Outdoor Living
Native and Naturalized Landscaping, Bio-Engineered Erosion Control,
Landscape Restoration, Professional Horticultural and Maintenance Services,
Natural Lawn and Plant Health Care Programs
PO Box 684 West Harwich, MA. 02671-0684
508-430-0267
www.capeorganics.com lindsay@capeorganics.com
A division of Strode’s Property Maintenance Services, Inc.
To; Mark Burgess
Shorefront Consulting
290 Center Street, Dennis Port, MA 02639
Phone: 508-280-8046
Email: shorefrontconsulting@gmail.com
Reference: Phragprotocol1721
Phragmites Management Protocol
Once plants are established a single method of Phragmites control is unlikely to be successful. A 2-to-
5-year management timeline with robust ongoing monitoring efforts should be anticipated, particularly
where adjacent stands of phragmites on abutting properties may be largely out of one’s direct control.
Where the use of chemical controls is permitted an appropriately formulated aquatic herbicide with the
active ingredient glyphosate would be employed by a licensed contractor. Depending on time of year,
density of the stand, and proximity to desirable vegetation, treatment with mowing and subsequent
treatment would be planned. Ideally during the active growing season, with a dense stand of phragmites
it is possible to gather larger bundles together and treat freshly cut stems. This minimizes treatment to
non-target vegetation. Once treated, after three weeks, the remaining stems may be removed. Any
reestablishing vegetation would be targeted for re-treatment in early fall. On more sparse stands of
phragmites we would look to wipe the individual plants with similar chemical control and likewise cut
and remove remaining stems after three weeks with retreatment in early fall as needed. Should a larger
stand with taller vegetation need management, efforts to mow the vegetation and wait until new tender
shoot growth appears with treatment taking place to improve translocation of the chemical control
material. In very sparse, newly establishing vegetation cut and dripping of appropriately time
application during the growing season may be employed. Additionally, treatment early fall to manage
any reestablishing vegetation would be planned.
Management Efforts Compiled From;
UMASS Extension Service - Phoebe Antonio, Hilary Sandler, and Katherine Ghantous, November 2021
UMass Cranberry Station 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham, MA 02538
NRCS - Pest Management – Invasive Plant Control Common Reed – Phragmites australis Conservation
Practice Job Sheet NH-595
A Guide to the Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Water Resources Division
P.O. Box 30458 Lansing, MI 48909-7958