Mowing

Mowing the Berm and Beds Around the KPVA Retention Pond

A native seed mix broadcast around the KPVA retention pond November 25, 2024, will emerge in competition with the seed bank and spring weeds. The first year (2025) the seeds will put energy into establishing roots. Mow low to keep annuals from going to seed. The second year (2026) mow when new growth is just over a foot tall. The pollinators are still not showy. Keep the weeds at bay. In the third year (2027), after an early spring buzz cut, let it grow. Enjoy each year.

Planting Guidelines from Native Connections in Kalamazoo, MI, describe four steps to achieve successful establishment of their native seed mix: planning, site prep, installation, and the maintenance plan

(https://nativeconnections.net/planting-guidelines-2/maintenance/) which suggests a 3-year mowing schedule:

Year 1 (2025): When 10-12 inches tall, mow down to 4-6 inches.
Year 2 (2026): When 12-18 inches tall, mow down to 8 inches.
Year 3 (2027): In early spring, mow down to 4 inches.

Year 1

Year 1 (2025)

Mow the vegetation to a height of 4-6 inches when it reaches 10-12 inches. If you get a lot of rain, you may have to mow about once a month. Mowing keeps the weeds from shading out the natives, as well as stopping the weeds from producing new seeds. Stop mowing at the end of the growing season. A little weed growth at the end of the year will help protect the seedlings during their first winter.

Hand pulling weeds and herbicide are generally not recommended in the first year. You risk harming the sensitive native seedlings. If aggressive weeds, like Canada thistle or reed-canary grass, appear to be a problem you can consider careful herbicide application. Take care not to allow herbicide to contact native vegetation.

-Native Connections

Year 2

Year 2 (2026)

When the vegetation reaches 12-18 inches, mow it down to 8 inches. Because you’re allowing it to grow higher, you should mow fewer times in the second year. You’ll see some natives blooming, but it is worth sacrificing the flowers at this stage to achieve better weed control and a more successful native planting in the long term. The natives will persist through mowing and a few will bloom at lower heights in response to repeated mowing.

Hand pulling and spot treatments of herbicide may be needed for some of the common competitive weeds such as spotted knapweed, Canada thistle, burdock, wild parsnip, sweet clover, and Queen Annes lace.

-Native Connections

Year 3

Year 3 (2027)

If burning is not allowed or not an option in your area, mowing and removing the clippings, although not as effective, can be a good substitute. Mow close to the surface (4 inches) in early spring (February through April) and remove the clippings with a rake or dethatcher. Note that some ground-nesting grassland birds nest as early as April, so the earlier the better. If removal of clippings is not possible, raise mowing height to 8 inches or so.

Spot treating with herbicide may still be needed if weeds persist, however, once your natives are established, they should require minimal maintenance.

-Native Connections

Disclaimer

Disclaimer:

KPVillas.org is an independent website that does not represent the opinions or initiative of any HOA or Board. An official HOA site is at KnollwoodParkVillas.org.