If you have a dune…plant dune grass!

How to plant dune grass:

• Beach grass is sold in bundles of 50 or 100 culms (stems)
• Plant two stems per hole. Placing more than two stems per hole will increase competition for nutrients causing loss of plants
• Plants (holes) should be spaced 18″ apart.
• There should be 18″ between rows.
• The rows should be staggered to provide maximum wind erosion control. 

Step 1: Open a hole 10 to 12 inches deep with a pointed stick or spade.  Place 2 stems, with roots facing down, in the hole to a depth of 8 inches. If plants are not planted 8 inches deep, they may dry out or be blown out by the wind.

Step 2: Press next to the plant to firm the sand and eliminate air space in the root zone.

Newly planted and old dune grass responds well to fertilizer.  Fertilizer (use environmentally safe) should be applied 30 days after planting but not before April 1. 

Sand Fences, Vegetation and Dune Management

The first step to dune establishment is providing a barrier to trap sand. Wooden slat fences are most commonly used.

Role of the dune grass foliage- decreases the wind velocity near the dune surface, and sand is deposited in the vegetation. As the sand continues to accumulate, the grass grows up through it, maintaining a protective cover.

At times the grass can be completely buried beneath the blowing sand. Research suggests that this is actually good for the grass causing it to grow taller and stronger.

The dune grass protects the dune from waves during storms by stabilizing and building the dune. By holding the dune in place, the grass helps to hold the Barrier Island in place. Ultimately, it is this small grass that preserves the Barrier Island.

References:

Dune Protection and Improvement

Restoration and management of Coastal Dune Vegetation