Ernst Conservation Seeds

Upland and Meadow Sites

UPLAND SITES are characterized as being dry the majority of the year. Soils at these sites often consist of sandy clay and shale, very little topsoil, and are subject to drought.

Examples of UPLAND SITES:

  • Naturally rocky soil that has been subject to erosion or steep road cuts
  • Abandoned building sites and industrial sites

Examples of MEADOW SITES:

  • Abandoned farm fields
  • Previous lawns
  • Vacant land
  • Roadsides

Site Preparation

If your site was previously a lawn or crop field to which herbicides were applied, it is important that you allow the appropriate interval for the residues of those herbicides to break down prior to planting your meadow. Competition from invasive or undesirable vegetation is the most limiting factor in upland meadow preparation. Black plastic may be used to smother weeds in small areas before planting. Eradicate existing vegetation by having a licensed spray technician apply an approved herbicide; i.e., glyphosate (Roundup®), or tilling the weeds into the soil. Good pre-seeding weed control may require repeated tilling or spraying two applications of glyphosate (at least two weeks apart). Close mowing two weeks prior to spraying is recommended to stimulate weed growth. Glyphosate must be applied to vegetative growth in order to kill undesirable plants and their roots. The second application is needed only if the first application is insufficient. If excess dead plant material remains on the surface, burning or tilling may be necessary to achieve good seed-to-soil contact and sunlight penetration.

Second Year Maintenance

Mow once, close to the ground, in early spring. This allows young native plants to emerge and rapid warming of the soil. If you postpone mowing until early spring, birds and other wildlife can enjoy your native site during the winter.

General Maintenance

Grassy weeds or persistent perennials can re-establish in this soil type. Monitoring and controlling weeds is essential in the first and second years. Burning (by experienced professionals) about every three years in early spring can prevent shrub invasion.

First Year Maintenance

Observation of the desired species’ growth and weed competition is essential when making maintenance decisions. When undesirable vegetation reaches 12”-18” tall, mow to no less than 6” high (with a mower or weed eater) to prevent the weeds from developing seed. Generally, native plants will grow more extensive root systems than tops in the first year; therefore, mowing to 6”-8” high will not cause harm. This practice allows sunlight to reach desired species. DO NOT MOW WITH A LAWN MOWER, as mowing too close encourages weedy grass species.

Habitat: Upland and meadow sites are generally in full sun for at least half of the day and have good air circulation.

Fertility: Natural fertility on these sites is generally adequate. No fertilizer or lime is needed. Check your soil pH and select species adapted to that pH.

Seeding Method: Hand seed, broadcast, hydroseed, or drill seed.