Eradicating Reeds

ormondsview · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject: Eradicating Reeds

Our front lawn is mostly rock with grassy patches, a drain running from the top of the mountains and a smallish section of what may be a pond we hope to build at the front. As we are surrounded by pastures on 3 sides, reeds have come in to dominate the lawn area. It's near impossible to spade them out, cutting with a weeder doesn't get rid of the old growth. And the seeds last for years. Are there any small animals I could graze there that can eat these things?

Liparis · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:21 pm Post subject:

I don't think there are any animals that eat reeds.
Bill.

Protein · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject:

Do weedkillers get rid of reeds?

I agree about not being able to get rid of them with the spade, you can dig forever.... and still not find the root.

me

inishindie · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:32 pm Post subject:

Hi

If you can get a machine to cut the reeds right back and then keep them down, they will eventually go. It doesn't get away from the fact that the ground is wet and there may be a drainage issue....A pig would dig out the roots and goats will nibble on the new reed shoots so there would be a way to keep things in check......Good luck....

Ian

ormondsview · Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject: using a goat on tether

I think I would go for the goat on a tether as I'm also putting in shrubs. The acre is fully fenced, but I don't want free range due to tender perennials which some animals prefer to the reeds. Would lambs eat reeds selectively? Has anyone noticed that they are tasty to both goats and sheep? A farmer down the road would willingly take them back after the job is done.

I am opposed to any weed killer as our water system runs down to farm below.

Am worried about free range animals also eating lillies which I've learned in this space are toxic.

James Kilkelly, was GPI. · Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 1:01 pm Post subject:

Reeds and rushes are often called one and the same by some ormondsview.
Do you mean something like this.........

If so then there is loads of info in this previous thread......... RUSHES

JennyS · Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 11:49 pm Post subject:

ormondsview · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:11 pm Post subject: reeds and rushes removal

Thanks all for a good description of removal. There are many rocks outcropping amidst the patches so I'll use a gas powered weed wacker. I like the idea of composting the remains and can add to the job by putting some newspapers or cardboard beneath, then layering the green and on top of that some manure. This solution I've used before for periwinkle which I'll never plant again due to it's invasiveness. If I have wood chips, loam then I can cover it up with a mound and plant a heather or something. The plan was never to have an immaculate lawn sprayed heavily with phosphates but to find natural remedies only.