Hi,

I was wondering if you have any recommendations for someone in the Austin area that can effectively remove Giant Cane (Arundo Donax). Our property is surrounded by it and has crept underneath our fence, threatening to destroy our gardening and landscaping. From reading information online, I understand that simply chopping it down only exacerbates the problem and it is important to find someone who is experienced in removal of it. Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Jessica

Arundo Donax spreads by underground rhizomes which makes it pretty much impossible to get rid of it once it's established. About the only way you can control it in your yard if it hasn't already taken over is to create an impenetrable barrier. Essentially digging a trench around your yard and putting something between the main infestation and your yard. It has to be something that will not rot, rust or degrade with time - like plastic cardboard or cement. Once done then you can dig up whatever starts appearing over the next few years until it's gone.

If you go this route you need to go at least 3 feet deep. A whole lot of work for sure but about the only thing you can do since chemical and mechanical removal is pretty much impossible for a well established infestation.

Thanks!! I just need to find someone who can do this for me. I also read that Beriym oleander extract can be very effective. Not sure where one would find that though.

This article gives data for results using a one-two punch of two herbicides. Results take more than one growing season. http://www.apms.org/japm/vol49...

I think withholding water would help add to the stress on the plant before spraying and make for more successful results.

Stressing plants before you herbicide them is generally the last thing you'd want to do. There are exceptions, but herbicides are typically less effective on stressed plants because the chemicals aren't absorbed and distributed through their tissues efficiently.