Removing Phragmites

Now that you can identify the plant and understand the reasons for removing it, let me explain the ways to remove Phargmites. There are several theories and recommendations for removing Phragmites.

Phragmites and its root system

Herbicides, mowing, disking, dredging, flooding, burning and grazing are methods used. I would like to give you the pros and cons of each method.

• Mowing, disking and pulling are methods that have been tried to remove this invasive plant. Because Phragmite's root system is a rhizomes system, this method encourage the spread of Phragmites it does not kill it. The rhizomes, even the smallest pieces can produce a plant. The rhizomes can spread up to 12-14 feet a year.
• Flooding is an option. If you are able to cut the plant below the water line and if and only if the water line remains above the cut plant, the plant will eventually drown. It may take a season or two, but because the plant needs to have leaves above the water to feed the root system, it can be drowned. This is the best control method other than using herbicides.
• Burning or cutting is another option. In Europe where Phragmites originated, goats and sheep have actually been used to graze an area that is infested. This method does not eliminate the plant is just keeps it from leaving 6-15 feet high stands that can be a fire hazard. Burning a well established stand can be tricky, There is so much biomass of above ground plant, depending on the size of the stand, one should have lots of help on hand. The material burns quickly and hot and can spread to areas surrounding the stand. Again, because 80 % of the mass of the plant is below ground, burning only rids the area of the upper leaves until the next growing season. 
• Cornell University has been working with fungi and insects that could control Phragmites. Four wasps have been found which might be of some use, the studies will not be conclusive until 2014 or later.
• After attending many instructional seminars by Bob Williams, who has started a war against Phragmites on his property on Harsens Island, the use of cutting the stalks and applying the herbicide containing glyphosate sold as Aqua Star or Shore Clear is the best method. Depending on the size of the area that you are working with, removing the plant and roots can take 3-5 years. But it is not this easy just to apply the herbicide with the-cut-and-dab method. One must contact the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to determine if a permit is required. Understanding how to mix the chemicals and the safety concerns for persons and the water and it other inhabitants of the water is of much concern. Proper education and training is a must. There are qualified companies that can be used to help you in your quest to rid MIchigan wetlands of Phragmites. Please check the Resource tabs for more information.

Karen Workman and The Oakland Press are asking for your help. If you see a stand of Phragmites, please take a picture and email or with your phone send the picture to Karen@oakpress.com  and she will create a active map to share with the MIchigan Department of Natural Resources or any other agency or persons interested in seeing the enormity of this invasive plant in Oakland County alone. Together we can bring awareness to the agencies and people that can help us rid MIchigan wetlands of Phragmites. I will be posting further information as I receive it on classes for individuals and groups, so we all can be working to get rid of this plant.