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matthewburton

Freshwater beach being overrun by vegetation

Matthew
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

Our beach on Lake Huron (Zone 6a) is being overrun by various grasses and shrubs. I need help identifying them and figuring out a remediation plan that doesn't compromise the integrity or health of the beach.

Some neighbors have tried cutting this vegetation back, but it always grows back with a vengeance. Others have tried removing the vegetation with a backhoe. That goes too deep, and lake water comes up through the beach.

Here are the various plants:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BUTyaXj4NppgNRBH7

We suspect the second one (with the broad blades, and the red boat in the background) is a Phragmites variety. It's new this year and very prolific.

We're willing to endure a multi-year process of cutting things back, as long as it works. The perfect outcome would be a beach with some vegetation that is easier to control, doesn't obstruct views or walking paths, keeps the invasive plants at bay, and is more pleasant to look at than the status quo. Extra points if the vegetation helps control the mosquito/sandfly population.

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