Acreage Living - Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan

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little patience, combined with simple weed control during the first couple ofyears goes a long way to helping your desirable perennials to become established. Most annual weeds are fairly easy to control by pulling, mowing or cultivating. Perennial weeds are generally a more serious problem. Most perennial weeds on the prairies have been introduced and often have no natural enemies to control them. Perennial weeds can also be invasive. They spread into undisturbed land by means of underground horizontal stems called rhizomes or by seed. Perennial weeds compete with and often displace native species. To further complicate matters, many perennial weeds may be difficult to distinguish from native plants. It is important to become familiar with your plants before finding ways to control them. For many perennial weeds, you may have to decide whether eradication or control is a realistic goal. Simply mowing or digging may not be effective because parts of roots and stems that are left behind may re-sprout. Repeated mowing as the plant begins flowering is a good control technique. Many perennial weeds can be controlled using herbicides, however, no herbicides are selective for a particular plant. This means that by spraying weeds on the prairie you may also kill native flowers, trees and shrubs. Therefore, widespread spralng of herbicjdes on prairie is not recommended. If herbicides must be used, apply them to individual plants with a handheld sprayer or with a paintbrush. Woodlands Many owners of small farms and acreages are privileged to have woodlands on their property. More than just trees, woodlands include shrubs and other plants growing on the forest floor that form the forest "understory" as well as clumps of willow, dogwood, and wild rose growing in lowlands of fields, pastures and along fencerows. All are important features of the landscape performing essential ecosystem functions. They provide vital places for wildlife to seek shelter from predators, winds and snowfall, to build nests and to forage for food. There's no question woodlands add tremendous value to the health of the natural environment. Before the prairies were settled, however, fire and bison grazing prevented trees from growing in most areas except for valleys, coulees and steep north-facing slopes. Prairie fires are now controlled allowing trees to spread across many parts of the prairie landscape. As well, settlement has introduced trees and shelterbelts. \Mhile natural bluffs and planted shelterbelts provide habitat for people and some wildlife, many animals and plants that previously lived on the prairie are being displaced. Many grassland birds are now threatened due to loss of habitat or by new habitat (e.g., shelterbelts) encouraging different and more competitive birds to become established. For example, the Red-Tailed Hawk has now become a major predator of the endangered Burrowing Owl. Many of these new species are not native to the prairies. Repeated mowing, burning and browsing (i.e., using
tiN for llloodland Eam ' There's strength in diversity. Maintain a variety of native species and ages oftrees and shrubs. ' Avoid continuous, seasonlong livestock access to small woodlots. Heavy grazing and trampling will compact the soil and kill trees, shrubs and seedlings in the understory. ' Leave snags (standing deadwood)and larger downed logs. They are essential habitat for wildlife and forest nutrient cycling. 'Cenerally, woodlands will be more aftractive to wildlife if left a liftle ragged around the edges. Instead ofa clean, straight line or block of wooded area, allow some natural regroMh to create a more rough-edged buffer of shrubs and grasses giving way to pasture or yard. sheep, deer and elk to eat trees and shrubs) mav be utilized to control invasion of woody species. Cutting the bark of aspen trees after the spring flush of leaves may help control their encroachment into grassland areas. Fire Hazard anil Litter Control Litter (dead plant material) build-up due to the absence of fire and grazingmay pose not only a fire hazard but also may reduce biodiversity. Prescribed burning is a tool that reduces wildfire hazard while promoting biodiversity. In any prescribed burn there is a risk of fire escape; wildfires in an acreage subdivision may result in extensive property damage and pose a significant risk to human life. The municipality, fire department and other residents of the subdivision should approve and be kept informed of property plans for from wildfi prescribed burns. using A burn should only be area conducted under the supervision (e.g., of someone with considerable experience and insurance and in the presence of adequate fire control tools (i.e. water trucks with pumps, personnel with water backpacks, fire resistant clothing, To reduce risk of damage resulting res, consider fireproof roofing and landscaping the immediately surrounding your house rock garden). RIilHilBIn! Native plants are well adapted to their environment Watering and fertilizing your prairie will mean more lifter to control! oxFgen tanks and masks, etc.). Mowing is another tool that can be used to control litter buiidup (and firehazard) and some weed problems. But, mowing can destroy wildlife habitat, eliminate native seed producing plants and reduce visual appeal (wild flowers and natural diversity). Repeated mowing over several years may alter the composition of the plant community and reduce biodiversity. The impact of mowing on the plant community will vary depending on timing, height and frequency. Waiting until late fuly allows many plants time to set seed as well as allowins Prescribed burns should only be conducled in the presence ol an experienced fire manager and salely equipment swcc
Page 1 and 2: al Habitats
Page 3 and 4: Published by: Native Plant Society
Page 5 and 6: he Saskatchewan f prairies had I th
Page 7 and 8: n the last 150 I years, most of the
Page 9 and 10: I ,, ,,,,_ : he disappearance f oI
Page 11 and 12: weed problems and wildlife trails.
Page 13: llanaging an acreage can be very ll
Page 17 and 18: continuous grazirlg can be harmful
Page 19 and 20: llne of the U greatest benefits of
Page 21 and 22: here are numerous ways to f I enjoy
Page 23 and 24: Selected Publications General Inter
Page 25: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food 3

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