How do you stop Phragmites from spreading?

Avoid operating earth moving machines or recreational ATV’s in the vicinity of phragmites stands to prevent the spread of seeds and rhizome fragments.

How do I get rid of invasive Phragmites?

The most successful Phragmites control treatments to date have centered around the application of an aquatic herbicide followed by burning of the roots and stalks to prevent regrowth, which can lead to noticeable improvement in pond conditions for indigenous species and migratory birds.

What are two possible control methods to fight Phragmites after it has invaded an area?

There are two broad-spectrum herbicides, Glyphosate and Imazapyr that are commercially available and known to control Phragmites effectively when used properly1. These chemicals are nonselective and will enter any plant species through contact with the leaves or stems and be translocated to the rhizomes.

Can you cut down Phragmites?

Yes! Plan to cut dead stems this winter. Phragmites (Phragmites australis) is an invasive plant taking over marshes and wetlands across our region. Cutting the already-dead growth won’t, by itself, slow down the phragmites.

What are the negative effects of the invasive Phragmites population?

Non-native Phragmites can negatively affect the biodiversity and ecological functions of invaded habitats, impair the recreational use of wetlands and shorelines, decrease property values, and increase fire risk.

How deep do Phragmites roots go?

Below ground, Phragmites australis forms a dense network of roots and rhizomes which can go down up to two meters in depth to reach deep ground water (MA DCR 2002).

What animal eats Phragmites?

Because of this, phragmites and other plants are called primary producers. They produce their own food. What eats it? Waterfowl such as the mallard, the Canada goose, and the wood duck all eat the seeds of this plant.

Does salt water kill phragmites?

Once Phragmites becomes established, it can be very difficult to eradicate, particularly without more impacts to the wetland. Phragmites is typically a freshwater plant and some studies and projects have shown a dramatic impact just by applying salt water to the plants.

Why is phragmites a problem?

Phragmites grows rapidly, and each fall, plant material dies back, creating large concentrations of tinder-dry vegetation that increase the potential for fast-spreading fires that can threaten residential and commercial developments on surrounding uplands.

How are Phragmites harmful?

Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients. It releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants.

What can you do about Phragmites on your property?

Control of Phragmites is one step toward a greater goal of restoring native wetland plant communities and protecting fish and wildlife habitat. The easiest way to control Phragmites is to begin a control program as soon as it is observed on your property, before the plants become well established.

When is the best time to control Phragmites?

The easiest way to control phragmites is to begin a control program as soon as it is observed on your property, before the plants become well established. In many areas, especially those with established phragmites, complete eradi- cation may not be achievable.

What kind of surfactant to use on Phragmites?

All herbicides must include a non-ionic surfactant which allows the herbicides to adhere to the plants leaves, stalks and rhizomes for effective control. Surfactants must be acquired separately and added to tank mixtures, unless otherwise noted on label recommendations obtained with the herbicides.

How does a phragmite spread from one plant to another?

Phragmites most often spreads by creeping rhizomes (roots). All stands have vertical and horizontal rhizomes, and young stands have long surface runners that help in rapid expansion of the colony. Techniques used to control phragmites may include chemical treatment (i.e., spraying herbicides) or physical treatments such as mowing and flooding.