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Removing periwinkle plants
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Posted: Apr/22/2008 2:11 PM PST
I live in a redwood forest next to a stream. We have periwinkle all over on steep hillsides. The stream is protected because of endangered Coho salmon and steel head so I cannot use herbicides. The periwinkle has choked out all the native plants, ferns, huckleberry, redwood sorrel etc. I tested a spot with a tarp but it was not opaque and is unsightly. I am not sure it would kill it any way. Cutting it and digging it up which is too much work for me and we can not afford to hire someone is the last resort. It is too thick for a weed eater, I tried it beat up the weed eater!. We have about 100 feet by 30 feet of periwinkle on the stream slops. Is is too steep to work on without a climbing rope. There is nothing growing in it the periwinkle choked it all out. I have read about using a concentrated acid like an 80% vinegar but it is dangerous to use, not to mention the effect on the stream. I could then add an alkyl to neutralize it thought. We only get rain in the winter so we would have time to fix it. Any suggestions would help including a foundation or charity that funds the removal of invasive plants. |
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Posted: Apr/24/2008 11:04 AM PST
Who have you contacted about this plant? Your local extension service might have a suggestion. Is there a conservation organization in your area? This sounds like quite a problem. Lookin on the internet for friendly ways to kill plants might get you somewhere. LB |
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Posted: Apr/24/2008 11:55 AM PST
Thanks. I have looked into killing it before and they all say it is hard to get rid of and kill. The only effective way is to pull it out. I have too much for that and on a very steep slope! The other way is to cover it up with dirt or mulch. That is possible but will take a lot not to mention it is on a steep hillside. "Got to find someone with free clean dirt that will deliver, not easy". I have tried a tarp but it was not opaque. I have a bunch of tarps maybe a couple of layers will block out light. But it has to be on for the summer if not longer and is unsightly. But is still my best option right now. The local conservation corps might be a place. I will look for orginazations that takes out invading species and replace them with natives. I need volunteers to get on the hillside and take it out and away. It will self plant from clippings so I do not want to cause an “epidemic” downstream in the State Park! |
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Posted: Apr/25/2008 3:41 AM PST
You might contact your local extension office for point of contact with your Native Plant Society. They may be able to help you with advice and some assistance. |
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Posted: Apr/28/2008 6:50 AM PST
Hi periwinkle is hard to remove but if you wait until after a rain or water the area first you can pull it out easier. I don't know any safe way to kill it. I'm pulling it out of a spot in my garden right now when the ground is wet it pulls right out but yes it is very time consumming. Good luck and it sounds like you live in a beautiful spot! |
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