Conventional Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) control methods often rely heavily—or even exclusively—on repeated herbicide applications like glyphosate. While effective in the short term, these methods can be costly, unsustainable, and damaging to surrounding ecosystems.
At Natural Communities, we offer a more budget-friendly and sustainable long-term solution. Our integrated approach combines native plant competition with strategic herbicide use to restore ecological balance and minimize chemical inputs.
Step 1: Targeted Spring Herbicide + Seed Head Control
We begin with a carefully timed early-spring application of aquatic-approved glyphosate before native plants break dormancy. This timing allows maximum impact on Reed Canary Grass with minimal harm to desirable species.
Following the herbicide application, we suppress regrowth by managing seed heads through mowing, cutting, or hand-pulling.
Step 2: Establish a Fast-Growing Native Cover Crop
Immediately after seed head management, we introduce Virginia Wild Rye (Elymus virginicus), a fast-growing native grass that outcompetes Reed Canary Grass seedlings and stabilizes the site quickly. This step is repeated annually for several years to weaken the invasive grass and reduce its seed bank.
Step 3: Introduce Long-Term Native "Warrior" Sedges
Once the site is stabilized, we shift to long-lived native sedges—our “warrior plants.” These species are slower to establish but offer powerful, long-term competition. Unlike Virginia Rye, which provides early-stage suppression, warrior sedges are the marathoners of the native plant community, delivering durable resistance to future Reed Canary Grass reinvasion.
The One-Two Punch: Fast Suppression + Long-Term Resilience
This dual-phase strategy—rapid cover crop establishment followed by native sedge dominance—offers major advantages:
- Reduces herbicide reliance and frequency
- Minimizes long-term labor and maintenance costs
- Improves ecological integrity with native plant diversity
- Stretches restoration budgets over time
By aligning your restoration efforts with natural plant succession, you’re not just controlling an invasive species—you’re building a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Let’s Talk: Get a Free Reed Canary Grass Control Consultation
Looking for a customized Reed Canary Grass management plan that aligns with your budget, goals, and site conditions? Our experts are here to help.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and we’ll create a practical, ecologically sound strategy tailored to your landscape. Together, we’ll build a long-term solution that works with nature—not against it.