The Lake Huron Centre For Coastal Conservation
Advocating Wise Stewardship of Lake Huron's Coastal Ecosystems
Trans Planting Beachgrass
American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) is the plant typically used in dune stabilization projects. The grass should be obtained from local sources. Importing from other areas can introduce genetically different plants, or introduce disease that local plants may be unable to cope with.
Restoration planting using American Beachgrass is best done in the fall, once the plants are dormant. Make sure the grasses will be planted into cool, moist sand. To transplant, follow the steps below.
Planting is done in fall and should only be done using locally derived plants. DO NOT import plants from other areas of the lakeshore, and DO NOT use nursery grown plants. Contact the Coastal Centre for assistance. |
Trans Planting Beachgrass
 Undercut the plant with a spade. You will have to cut the rhizome in order to get the plant out. |
 Separate the plant into one culm. The culm will not typically have much of a root system. Grab the leaves of the plant and pull, shaking off sand. |
 The plant is made up of several plant culms, each of which will form an individual unit for transplanting. |
 Separate the plant into one culm. The culm will not typically have much of a root system. |
Planting Beachgrass
 Place blade of spade 20 to 30 centimeters into the sand. |
 Move handle of spade forward creating a wedge in the sand. |
 Place culm into wedge. The culm should be planted 15 to 20 centimeters into the sand. |
 Take the heal of your foot and pack the sand around the plant to eliminate any air pockets around the root. |
Beachgrass should be planted with about 30 centimeter spacing between plants. The planting pattern should be irregular (not in rows).
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The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation P.O. Box 178, Blyth, Ontario, Canada N0M 1H0 Phone: (519) 523-4478 Email: coastalcentre@lakehuron.on.ca |
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