Mechanical control often refers to using machines, like a mower or brush cutter, to cut back invasives to limit seed production. Stands must be mowed before going to seed in order to be effective and cut as close to the ground as possible. Fast growing invasives might need to be mowed more than once in a growing season to achieve desired results. Timing is everything with this method and it may not be an applicable approach to control invasive terrestrial plants occurring within APIPP’s territory.
Benefits of mechanical control:
- Works well in easy-to-access areas/terrain either by gas or electric push mower, electric string mower, or more flexible gas powered weed eater
- Can be used in environmentally sensitive areas near water or where chemical approaches are undesirable
- Reduces seed production to limit recurrence in future seasons
- Most effective on annual or biennial plants
Limitations of mechanical control:
- Plants must be mowed before producing seed and require monitoring
- May not be suitable in areas with sound restrictions for wildlife
- Cannot always be applied to steep slopes or rocky, unstable terrain
- Does not kill plants, rather decreases seed production and above ground spread for that year and seasons ahead
- Perennial plants can flower multiple times through the growing season and require multiple treatments
- Non-target vegetation can be impacted
- Must be carried out repeatedly to exhaust seeds thriving in soil (the soil seed bank)
