Shoreline Phragmites Control
Phragmites treatment for living shoreline and marsh restoration projects, before construction and through the monitoring period, by our own licensed applicators.
Keep phragmites out of the new marsh
Ives Contracting controls phragmites on living shorelines, marsh restorations and stabilized banks for marine and civil contractors, utilities and public agencies across Virginia and North Carolina. If phragmites is on or next to the site, it will move into freshly graded sand and new plantings unless it is treated on a schedule.
We price phragmites control as a line item for contractors bidding shoreline work, and as a multi-season program for owners who have to meet survival and monitoring requirements after construction.
Our herbicide applicators are licensed and on our own payroll, not subcontracted crews. Every application is recorded and kept on file for three years, as state regulations require. Shoreline work fits alongside our invasive species control, herbicide application and stormwater and BMP maintenance.
Where it fits in a shoreline project
Before construction
Treat the existing stand the fall before grading, then cut the dead canes, so fewer live roots are spread through the site with the fill.
During construction
Spot treatment of regrowth along the work limits and access routes, scheduled around the tide, the weather and your crews.
After planting
Targeted follow-up treatments that take out new phragmites shoots without damaging the marsh grasses that were just planted.
Monitoring period
Seasonal inspections and treatments through the monitoring years, with every application recorded.
Existing shorelines
Control programs for marsh edges, canals, basins, outfalls and waterfront industrial and utility sites where phragmites has already taken hold.
Stormwater ponds
Phragmites in a pond or BMP instead of on a shoreline? We handle that too.
Phragmites in stormwater ponds →What to send for a price
Location and limits
The site address or a plan sheet, and the length of shoreline or the area of phragmites to be treated.
Schedule
When construction starts and when planting is expected, so the first treatment lands in the right season.
Specifications
Any invasive species section, permit conditions or monitoring requirements, and the number of treatments or years to carry.
One-page PDF with our services, certifications, NAICS codes, UEI and CAGE, and contact information.
Common questions
Do you treat phragmites on living shoreline projects?
Yes. Ives Contracting treats phragmites on living shoreline, marsh restoration and shoreline stabilization projects as a subcontractor to marine and civil contractors, and directly for utilities, agencies and other site owners across Virginia and North Carolina.
When should phragmites be treated?
Late summer into fall, when the plant is moving energy down into its roots, is the most effective window. If your project grades or places sand in winter or spring, plan the first treatment for the fall before.
Should phragmites be treated before construction or after?
Both, when the schedule allows. Treating the stand before grading reduces the live roots that get moved around the site. Follow-up treatments after planting catch regrowth before it crowds out the new marsh grasses.
How many treatments does it take?
Most established stands take two to three seasons. The first treatment knocks the stand back and follow-up visits catch regrowth and new shoots. We price the full program so it can be carried in the project budget or the monitoring period.
Will the herbicide harm the planted marsh grasses?
We use herbicides labeled for use in and near water and choose the product, timing and application method to protect the plantings and the adjacent marsh. Around new plantings that usually means targeted application to the phragmites itself, not broadcast application.
Who handles the permits?
Permits are obtained and held by the owner or the prime contractor; Ives Contracting does not obtain permits. We work under the project permits and specifications and follow the conditions in them. Every application is recorded and kept on file for three years, as state regulations require.
Are your applicators licensed?
Yes. Herbicide work is done by licensed applicators who are Ives employees, not subcontractors. Ives Contracting is licensed in Virginia and North Carolina.
Do you count toward DBE or SWaM participation?
Ives Contracting is a certified Virginia DBE and SWaM firm (#805517) and an SBA-certified Woman-Owned Small Business.
Pricing a living shoreline?
Send the plans and the schedule. We will price the phragmites control as its own line.