Phrag Friday: Look, but Don’t Touch
Preparing for Spraying-Look, but Don’t Touch
This year we are asking all beach users and property owners to monitor Phragmites on their property ONLY! DO NOT disturb the Pragmites as this just makes growth more aggressive. We have made arrangement for a licensed contractor to spray Phragmites on the beach between August 21, 2017 and September 29, 2017. This timeframe allows for the best weather conditions. For optimal results, Phragmites should be at least 1 metre (1 yard) tall. This allows the herbicide to kill all parts of the plant, including the roots. We will be using backpack spraying in order to isolate the spray area to Phragmites only. (A UVV mounted mechanical sprayer will be used for larger Phragmites growth areas.)
BECOME EDUCATED. USE THIS SEASON TO OBSERVE THE GROWTH OF THE PHRAGMITES. About one month after spraying dead Phragmites can be removed for aesthetic purposes, or left. See our IPP site [click here] on the CICA website, for proper disposal methods. Questions? Please contact us at [email protected]
Arrangements are being made for a massive Phragmites spading event on August 10/11. Details will be out next week. We will be looking for lots of volunteers. You will be shown how to identify Phragmites and the proper spading technique. Phragmites will be collected, dried and burned. Never compost Phragmites.
As mentioned previously, the initial plan was to backpack spray after Labour Day. These plans changed after a site visit determined we are catching the Phragmites in an early stage of infestation. It was determined hat spading would be the way to go this year.
Do take the time to check out our coastal dunes to see if you can identify them on your property.
Sandra
IPP Chair