North Pacific Region
This region extends from the Canadian border to Monterey, California. European beachgrass and
American dunegrass are the dominant sand stabilizing plants of the region. American beachgrass may
also be applicabl6 in the area.
European Beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria). This plant is inexpensive and used widely in this
region. Although it effectively traps sand, it forms dense stands with little outward spread, causing the
resulting dunes to have steep windward slopes. Another disadvantage is that it will often exclude native
species, making it difficult to establish mixed plantings.
Planting should not be done when the temperature exceeds 60' F or is below freezing. Moist sand
should be within 3 to 4 inches of the surface and the minimum planting depth should be about 12 inches.
The optimum conditions of moisture and temperature for planting usually occur during the late fall,
winter, and early spring months in this region. Three to five stems per hill are recommended for
transplanting since establishment of dense stands is imperative with the wind conditions of the region.
Spacing and planting patterns should be adapted to the site, but generally, an 18- by 18-inch planting with
three to five stems per hill is sufficient. A pattern of several rows with plants spaced 12 x 12 inches,
bordered by several rows each of plants spaced 18 x 18, 24 x 24, and 36 x 36 inches, will build a stable
foredune at less expense than a uniformly spaced planting. When rapid growth begins (early April) 35 to
55 pounds of nitrogen per acre should be applied.
American Dunegrass (Elymus mollis). Although this grass is native t-o the northwest, it is more
difficult and expensive to propagate than either European or American beachgrass. The grass tends to
produce low, gently sloping dunes, often preferable to those dunes built by European beachgrass.
American dunegrass should be set 12 inches or more deep in moist sand. Satisfactory planting
occurs primarily in the months when the grass is dormant, late November through February in the
northern portion of the region, and not at all in the southern extent. Planting should be limited to
temperatures below 55' F. Planting several stems per hill would be desired; however, due to the expense,
a close spacing of 12 inches with one viable stem makes better use of scarce planting stock. An
application of 35 pounds of nitrogen per acre from a soluble source is recommended as new growth
starts.
South Pacific Region
This region extends from Monterey, California, to the Mexican border. While some of the beach
grasses discussed above (e.g., European beachgrass) are applicable in the northern portions of this region,
the dominant plants are forbs such as the sea fig.
Sea Fig (Carpobrotus edulis and C. aequilaterus). Sea fig is effective as a sand stabilizer but
not good as a dune builder. It is quite easy to establish; cuttings 4 to 6 inches long should be placed
about 18 to 24 inches apart in moist sand. An occasional application of nitrogen at a rate of 30 to 35
pounds per acre is recommended to maintain the plants once established.
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