Reed Canary Grass (RCG) Control in Forest Sites

Description of reed canary grass
Detailed control information

General control:
Reed canary grass is a tall, coarse cool-season perennial grass that invades disturbed sites and many wet sites and interferes with tree planting operations. There is a detailed description of the species in DNR's Invasive Species Control Manual so I will deal only with control measures in this fact sheet.

Three well-known forestry herbicides have been effective in controlling RCG: Arsenal AC; Accord; Oust. RCG is listed on the Arsenal AC and the Oust labels. While RCG is not listed on the Accord label, field tests have shown it to be effective; it can be used because of its registration for forestry site prep and release. RCG does appear on the Roundup Pro label which has the same active ingredient (glyphosate) as Accord.

Arsenal AC--Arsenal is registered for site prep and release of red pine, white pine, jack pine, white spruce and black spruce. Apply at least 6 months before planting. If applied before planting other species, application should be made at least a year before planting. The label rate for listed species is 12-32 oz/A. A late summer or fall (before first frost) is recommended.

Accord--Site prep applications of Accord should be made in late summer to early fall before the first frost at a rate of 3 qt per acre. The maximum conifer release rate of 2 qt/acre is not likely to control RCG.

Because RCG greens up early in the spring, Accord may be effective at 2% when used to selectively remove it where it has invaded later developing grasses. Because of its rapid height growth wiper applications of 6% Accord may be feasible for selective application where it is invading shorter grasses.

Oust--The Oust label recommends 3 to 5 oz per acre to control RCG (in noncrop sites) which is at or above the maximum for site prep and release of most species we plant. If 3 or more oz are applied, wait a year before planting.

Arsenal and Accord Tank Mix--Apply 8 oz per acre of Arsenal and 3 qt per acre of Accord in late summer or fall before first frost. Expect 80-85 % control of RCG. In spring, wait for green up; if RCG survival is excessive, treat with Accord before planting species listed on the label. This scenario will be more effective if dead grass is burned before application.

Weeds  ||  Forest Health Protection