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 Answering the Call
Most of you know that Native Landscaping can take some time before it starts to deliver the promised diversity, low maintenance and various colors throughout the year.
This is the time of year that the phone rings off of the hook in newer subdivisions regarding the perceived weeds growing in people's back yards.
Homeowner's often wonder, "Why did we stop mowing?" What are we going to do next," and, "Is it supposed to look like this?"
I have just installed a rain garden in my backyard and I am getting similar comments from my neighbors and my wife . The bulk of this issue of our Focus Report is on maintenance and installation issues associated with native landscaping. I hope you will find the information useful when you get the inevitable phone call.
Sincerely,
Carl Peterson, VP Consulting Division | |
Why Do I Have Native Plants Around My Pond?
The majority of the areas planted by ENCAP, Inc. serve as stormwater management areas. Stormwater management is required to control runoff and flooding in urban areas during a storm event. Municipalities and Counties and sometimes the Federal Government often require stormwater management areas to be planted with native vegetation in order to increase the water quality benefits of the area.
The establishment of native vegetation in a stormwater management area is challenging due to water level fluctuations, upstream pollutants, and homeowner encroachment. However, with proper design, implementation of stormwater best management practices, and up front homeowner education, a naturalized stormwater management area can greatly benefit the community and the environment.
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Where are the Flowers?
 Many people are sold on the prairie look with pictures of wildflower gardens, the fact is that for the first three years, prairie plants are putting most of their energy into their root systems.
The photo to the left shows a recently installed prairie garden. During this initial establishment period, the prairie looks sparse or slightly ragged. With patience and proper maintenance, the plants will establish themselves into a diverse natural looking landscape that will provide valuable water quality functions.
This photo shows a second year prairie that is dominated by cover crop and native grasses. It was mowed in the early spring to limit annual weed growth. As a result of the mowing, the showy wildflowers failed to show up for the party.
Generally by the third year the native plant community starts to show a mixture of grasses and wildflowers and is meeting performance standards. At this stage maintenance requirements are much less and overall satisfaction is high.
You just need to be sure that less maintenance doesn't turn into no maintenance. Without maintenance you really will end up with out of control weeds. It is important to note that maintenance of these areas is reactive rather than proactive. Sometimes everything comes up right away, other times you really have to work at it. Experience in all the different scenarios is important to the success of any of these projects.
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Why did they stop mowing the prairie?
 Mowing is the primary tool utilized during the first two growing seasons. The overriding recommendation found in most technical manuals is to mow the prairie at a height of 6-8 inches. Through accidental mowing by our traditional landscaping trade partners, we have found that mowing the prairie to the ground during the first two seasons actually accelerates native plant development during the third year.
Usually the first year is dominated by weeds, mowing before the weeds go to seed and before they are too tall makes a huge difference. Sometimes the occasional Black-eyed Susan gets mowed down but the benefit in early weed management is worth it.
As the prairie develops, mowing should be limited to early spring. At this stage adjacent homeowners get concerned because the maintenance people have stopped mowing. This is where investment in up front homeowner education pays dividends.
Perennial weeds like thistle, teasel and purple loosestrife cannot be controlled by mowing. These weeds can only be eliminated through herbicide application. Many of the most effective herbicides must be applied by a licensed applicator trained in plant identification. Acceptable herbicides are glyphosphate based such as RoundUp, Rodeo, Razor or Aquaneat. Temperature, wind, moisture and time of year must be considered prior to treating perennial weeds with herbicide.
Prairies are fire-dependent ecosystems, and once established burning is the best way to maintain the site. Burning rejuvenates and warms up the seedbed, encouraging germination. It also releases nutrients and helps to discourage weeds and woody plants. Warming the soil extends the growing season, prairie plants grow taller and produce more flowers and more seeds following a burn.
Before a burn is conducted permits must be obtained from the IEPA and the local fire department should be contacted. It is also important to notify neighbors about the burn, and answer any questions or concerns they have.
Prairie burns must be planned carefully. Consider all the variables that cause problems, such as combustible buildings and trees. Firebreaks are extremely important because they keep the fire from spreading beyond your site. Take into account natural firebreaks such as trails and streams, and mow a 10 to 15-foot border around the area.
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Go Beyond The Basics with The Conservation Foundation
A conservation design seminar covering the proper techniques to integrate native landscaping into our communities including success rates, and return on investment is being prsented by the Conservation Foundation in cooperation with Northern Illinois Hombuilders and the Grand Vctoria Foundation.
The Date is September 10, 2008 and the the place is Waubance Comunity College.
Click on the logo to for more information and to register. | |
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