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sgb235

Converting pipeline easement to wildflower meadow?

sgb235
10 years ago

I live adjacent to a two acre gas pipeline easement, primarily covered in some kind of coarse-bladed grass. The owners are fine with me mowing the lot (which I do regularly now), but tilling would be out of the question. They'll mow once a year no matter what to prevent woody matter from growing.

I've been wondering if I could convert the lot to a wildflower meadow with well-timed mowing (I can set my blade up to 4") and a lot of wildflower seed. I realize that I would have a very low seed conversion rate, but if I kept at it year after year would I have a chance of success?

Comments (3)

  • docmom_gw
    10 years ago

    You'd have better success if you did it in sections and smothered the grass with cardboard and some sort of mulch to give the seedlings a better fighting chance. Or you could consider herbicides if you're in a hurry. My sister has also used old pieces of carpet to smother weeds. I love the idea. Good luck.

    Martha

  • sgb235
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks for the advice. I've decided to go with multiple applications of roundup for this year with some more careful planning for next year.

  • katob Z6ish, NE Pa
    10 years ago

    Do you know when your mowing will take place? I like to have things mown in the late fall or late winter (although this isn't the best thing for wildlife) and then not mow again until July or so. This timing isn't great for fall blooming native plants, but keeps the grasses under control and looks neater imo. I'm trying to avoid having goldenrod take over.
    Most of the later plants like bluestems and asters come up again and bloom normally, just a bit later and shorter.

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