Summary of Arundo Control Methods

CHEMICAL APPLICATION

CUT, RESPROUT, AND SPRAY (using foliar herbicide application)

This is sort of a combination of the cut and spray method and the foliar application method. The Arundo stems are cut and the plants are allowed to resprout. The resprouts are then sprayed using the foliar application method (described in the foliar application section). The best time to cut the Arundo and force resprouting is probably during the spring and summer. Resprouts should be treated when they are still relatively small and easy to reach, but allow enough time to pass so that the full 'crop' of resprouts are produced before spraying. Also, if you spray the resprouts when they are too small then you may not have enough biomass to absorb enough herbicide to kill the plants. This method can be very successful.

Depending on the situation, the cut Arundo stems may be left on site (but not in a moist area where they may sprout or in a floodprone area) or the Arundo biomass can be disposed of. For a summary of different options for dealing with Arundo biomass see: What to do with Arundo biomass.

PROS:

• Targeted application of herbicide to the Arundo resprouts because they are much smaller than the initial stems - little accidental herbicide overspray onto native vegetation.
• The aboveground Arundo biomass is cut and can be removed from the site. This reduces flood and fire hazard.
• Chipped Arundo stems can be used as mulch etc. See section on what to do with Arundo biomass for more details.

CONS:

• Must deal with the cut Arundo stems if they cannot be left on site. Removing the stems off site can be time consuming and costly.
• Resprouting of Arundo will occur to some degree, and re-treatment will probably be required for several years.