Restoration techniques
Smothering is the most common restoration technique used at the Meadow. This method works best in the areas without weeds which spread from underground stems or rhizomes. These weeds have the ability to grow under and out of the smothered area. First, the area is mowed to the ground with a string trimmer or other mower. This simulates the indigenous practice of burning the Garry Oak meadows. As long as there is no sharp, woody debris, the cut material can remain in place.
Next, three layers of overlapping, clean cardboard are laid down over the site. The cardboard must be secured in place so that the wind cannot shift it. A thick layer of leaves, mulch or rotted wood chips work well. A few branches or rocks could also be used. This material should remain in place until the weeds have died and are decomposed. Only after that should seeding or planting be done. If seeds are sown too soon, they will come up with weed seedlings and it will be difficult to tell the difference between them.
A project was undertaken by students from the University of Victoria’s Restoration of Natural Systems program in 2019 to study the meadow and compare methods of smothering invasive plants.
In areas known to have a large weed seed bank or rhizomatous weeds, solarisation using clear plastic in the hot sun after smothering is effective to eliminate most of them.
Another effective restoration technique is to plant the weedy area with a native plant chosen for its ability to shade and out-compete other plants. In situations where you have removed an invasive plant such as Scotch broom, replanting the area with a dense native ground cover such as salal will prevent the millions of broom seeds from re-establishing in the area.
Restoration is best done from a chosen starting point, establishing a “clean edge” without weeds and expanding outwards from that area. It is important to choose native plants which are suitable for the site.
Factors to be considered are:
- Soil type – clay, humus rocks or gravel
- Available light – full sun, partial shade, full shade
- Soil moisture – dry, moist, mesic (moderate), wet
- Is the site level or on a slope?
- Are there other established native plants in the area?
For more information about restoration techniques, please see our Resources section.
