Native to the prairie regions, native grasses and wildflowers are frequently planted to provide habitat for insect pollinators, grassland song-birds and small game species. Native grasses are clump-forming, upright-growing grasses that provide nesting cover and escape cover for many wildlife species. Wildflowers (aka forbs) are usually planted within a native grass stand to attract insects and provide a food source to seed eating birds.
Before planting, appropriate site preparation must be considered. This normally includes mowing the existing vegetation, followed by a herbicide application to kill the existing vegetation. Once a clean seed bed is established, we can use a variety of planting techniques, including no-till drilling and broadcasting.
After planting, high-mowing may be beneficial to reduce the weed competition while the stand becomes established. Once established, prescribed burning and or disking can help maintain the wildflower component and remove thatch build-up.