Revegetation
Revegetation is an essential component of a successful weed control program but is often neglected or overlooked. Without revegetation, newly cleared land previously occupied by one weed species will often be invaded by another weed species, creating a cycle of weed control and reinfestation rather than a return to valuable habitat for livestock and wildlife.
Revegetation is the process of seeding and/or planting in order to promote the growth and establishment of desirable plant species. When desirable plants compete with invasive weeds, fewer resources like water, nutrients, and space are available for the growth of weeds. A decrease in resource availability can inhibit the survival of new weed seedlings, and in some cases may weaken mature weed plants. Thus, properly implemented, revegetation can act not only to promote the reestablishment of productive, healthy land for the maintenance of livestock and wildlife but also actively suppress the growth and spread of weeds. Revegetation is most effective when it is implemented with other weed management techniques as part of an integrated strategy rather than alone as a primary weed control tool.
When reseeding or replanting, use of native species is generally encouraged. Grasses are often ideal because they can grow quickly and spread rapidly. If shifting land use priorities or changing soil characteristics prevent the use of native plants, it is important to choose plants that will be beneficial to wildlife or livestock and allow for increased productivity. Whether using native or non-native species, plants should grow in the same season as the weed in order to maximize competition (cool-season grasses likely won’t compete with warm-season weeds), and over-seeding may be necessary.
Timing is crucial when integrating revegetation with other treatment strategies to ensure that one treatment strategy doesn’t counteract another (e.g., biological control may need to be the last strategy implemented if tilling is required for revegetation). Consult with an IWM practitioner, a land management consultant, your county noxious weed control program, or contact us to determine the best course of action for your land.
Seed Sources:
The following list is representative not exhaustive. No endorsement of any business is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed businesses implied.
Washington Native Plant Society—lists native plant and seed sources by county. www.wnps.org/landscaping/nurserylist.html
BFI Native Seed—seed info by state region (Washington) with consultation service available. Good, clean, quality products. www.bfinativeseeds.com/services.html
Oregon Grass Seed—may be appropriate for some western Washington projects. http://www.oregongrassseed.com/
Outside Pride—lots of information about both native and non-native seeds (with selections available by state) for lawn and turf, wildlife plots,and habitat restoration. Good USDA zone maps. www.outsidepride.com/resources/states/washington.html
References:
Bouchier, R., R. Hansen, R. Lym, A. Norton, D. Olson, C. B. Randall, M. Schwarzlaander, and L. Skinner. 2006. Biology and Biological Control of Leafy Spurge. USDA Forest Service. FHTET-2005-07.
Ferrero-Serrano, A., T. R. Collier, A. L. Hild, B. A. Mealor, and T. Smith. 2008. Combined impacts of native grass competition and introduced weevil herbivory on Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). Rangeland Ecology and Management 61(5): 529-534.
Lym, R. G. 2005. Integration of biological control agents with other weed management technologies: Successes from the leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) program. Biological Control 35: 366-375.
Winston, R., R. Hansen, M. Schwarzlaander, E. Coombs, C. B. Randall, and R. Lym. Biology and Biological Control of Exotic True Thistles. USDA Forest Service. FHTET-2007-05.
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