Wet Meadow & Wetland Sites Planting Guide

Due to the potential for water contamination, lime and fertilizer are not recommended; however, when topsoil has been depleted or removed, we recommend the addition of organic matter (compost). Check soil pH and select species adapted to that pH.

Hand seed, broadcast seed, hydroseed, or drill seed when the water table is drawn down. It is not practical to seed any wetland where there is standing water or where severe flooding is likely to occur before germination. The same caution applies to mulching. Natural seed banks (seeds in wetland soils) often establish part of the vegetative cover.

Eradicate existing vegetation by having a licensed spray technician apply an approved herbicide, such as glyphosate (Rodeo®), triclopyr (Garlon® 3A), or a similar aquatic herbicide formulation, to control such undesirable vegetation as multiflora rose, honeysuckle, and woody species.

CAUTION: Some persistent species, such as purple loosestrife, phragmites, Japanese knotweed, or reed canarygrass, may require multiple applications of glyphosate or triclopyr. Perennial weeds not addressed before establishment will be more difficult to remove later. These sites are often too wet to till. Newly constructed wetlands, retention basins, and wet construction sites should be seeded as soon after construction as possible. Leaving the surface rough by creating mounds and kettles for an undulating microtopography can be very beneficial in obligate wetlands.

First Growing Season

When feasible (the ground isn’t too slippery or mucky to safely walk), post-planting maintenance will provide the best results for wet meadows and wetlands. Whenever canopy height (overall vegetation) reaches 18”-24”, trim the meadow to 8” using a string trimmer. Trimming reduces competition by fast-growing weeds for sunlight and nutrients needed by slower growing perennial natives. Trimming should cease by mid-September.

Problem weeds should be hand pulled or spot sprayed with an approved aquatic herbicide, such as Rodeo® or Garlon® 3A.

Second & Subsequent Growing Seasons

Problem weeds, such as purple loosestrife, phragmites, Japanese knotweed, and reed canarygrass, should be hand pulled or spot sprayed with an approved aquatic herbicide, such as Rodeo® or Garlon® 3A.