Last Updated: May 2005
Terrestrial invasive plant species can be removed from small areas by pulling or cutting the vegetation with hand tools. However, in many regions, hand removal alone must be performed more than once in a growing season. Best timing for hand removal of herbaceous plant species is after flowering but before seedhead production. For plants that possess rhizomatous growth the pulling of the roots is not generally recommended since it may stimulate new shoot production.
Description
A number of manufacturers produce hand removal equipment of many types and applications. The hand removal sections of this system discuss general hand removal equipment, such as weed whackers, chain saws, and clippers. However, many other types with similar results are available and would be applicable. Most equipment is either self-propelled (chain saws or weed whackers) or is operated with physical strength. The primary thrust of hand removing is to remove the vegetative structure, usually in sensitive areas or small infestations. This disrupts the life cycle, stops seed production, and impacts the site negligibly. Various types of hand removal equipment are available to adapt to individual terrain and performance criteria.
Operational Considerations
A number of operational considerations should be taken into account when using this management procedure. Probably the first consideration with regard to hand removal operations is cost. Hand removal operations consist of the expense of the removal equipment as well as significant labor costs, since this method is labor intensive. In addition, if the ground in the removal site is disturbed, reseeding should be considered. Consideration should also be given to proper seed and seeding costs as well as the labor expense to operate this equipment. As such, the efficiency of the hand removal operation is dependent on the compatibility of the chosen equipment and labor with the site to be controlled.
Some sites are likely to be excessively wet, muddy, or otherwise difficult to work, and may be hard on labor and equipment, causing excessive replacement or rebuilding of operational parts. If this is the case, other methods or combinations of methods should be considered.
Expected Results
Most hand removal systems will cut off or otherwise stop seed production and remove the vegetative portions of the invasive plant species. If the hand control practices and site chosen are compatible, and the timing is well planned, moderate results can be attained in controlling the target invasive plant species.
Timing
Timing can play an important role in the efficiency of a hand removal operation. Plants grow rapidly with the onset of spring, and a manager's first impulse is to make the site look more maintained. If this is a primary consideration, implement hand removal on the site and keep it free of growth until desirable species can be seeded. If the primary objective is to eventually control or eliminate the noxious species, then plant growth habits should be considered before implementing the hand control operation. For example, attempting hand removal when the soil is wet and mucky may cause undue effort on labor and thus slow production. Hand removal early in the spring may not be applicable due to growth stage of the plant. This will be area- and site-specific depending on rainfall and seasonal weather patterns.
If a manager has selected a contractor to perform hand removal operations, or in-house equipment has been purchased for use on a number of different sites, an equipment inspection program should be conducted to ensure that unintentional spread of seeds, suckers or other vegetative parts does not occur. Often contractors are moving from site to site. Before a crew comes in to perform hand removal operations, the equipment should be inspected and any suspect plant material removed.
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