Early Maintenance of a Native Prairie
Native perennial wildflowers and grasses tend to grow slowly and weeds such as thistles, foxtail, crabgrass, and witchgrass may become a problem the first several years. By following a simple maintenance routine you can help ensure the success of your planting
YEAR 1
Establishment
(spring seeding)
- Site preparation should occur from late April to May.
- Seeding should be done May 1 - July 1.
Maintenance
- Mow to 6 inches from July 15 - August 15. Most natives will not grower taller than about 6 inches the first year.
- Mow around September 1 (optional).
- Weed Control - mowing should keep annual weeds down. Spot spray or hand-pull thistles and other problem species.
Establishment
(fall seeding)
- Site preparation should occur from late August - early September.
- Seed should be done from late September to freeze-up.
Maintenance
(following season)
- Mow to 6 inches from June 15 - August 15.
- Mow - September 1 (optional).
- Weed Control - mowing should keep annual weeds down. Spot spray or hand-pull thistles etc.
Evaluation
- Cover crop growing within 2 weeks of planting.
- Native grass seedlings may only be 4-6 inches tall.
- If there is a flush of growth from foxtail etc., mow more often.
YEAR 2
Maintenance
(following season)
- Mow between 6-10 inches from June 1 - August 15.
- Mow - September 1 (optional).
- Weed Control - mowing should keep annual weeds down. Spot spray or hand-pull thistles etc.
- Some sites may not require much maintenance the second year.
Evaluation
- Cover crop will be gone.
- Some flowers should be blooming (black-eyed susans, bergamot etc.).
- If there is a flush of growth from foxtail etc., mow site.
YEAR 3
Maintenance
(following season)
- Mow only if necessary (excessive weed growth).
- Weed Control - Spot spray or hand-pull thistles, etc.
- Sites usually do not require much maintenance the third year.
Evaluation
- Planting should begin looking like a prairie - tall grasses, flowers etc.
