American beachgrass plantings are established vegetatively with culms (plants). Enough moisture should be present so when an opening is made with a spade, the sand will not run back into the hole. If there is too much dry sand on the surface, scrape it away before the planting slot is opened. A narrow tile spade or planting bar may be used for hand planting. There have been mixed results in using a machine tree planter on large areas. When planting, protect the culms from wind and sun so they do not dry out.
A planting depth of 6 to 10 inches is suggested so that the buds at the base of the stem do not dry out nor will plants blow out in a heavy wind. When planting by hand, firm the soil around the plants with your heel. Place 1-3 stems or culms into each hole. On severe sites where quick cover is needed, space culms about 12 x 12 inches. A minimum of 43,560 culms per acre are needed for this solid planting, more if placing more than one culm per hole. Beachgrass is available for sale through the Mason-Lake Conservation District. April -May and again September-October weather permitting. Contact our office for availability
For more tips on planting and spacing, see our order form.
