What Are Cattails?
Cattails are tall, erect marsh plants that grow in dense clusters in shallow wetlands across North America. The scientific name for common cattails is Typha latifolia. Cattails can grow over 9 feet tall and have long, flat, blade-like leaves that can reach 0.5 inches wide.
The most distinctive feature of a cattail plant is the cigar-shaped, brown flower spike that grows upwards from the stem. This spike is actually made up of tiny individual flowers. As the flowers mature, they produce fluffy white seed heads that resemble a cat’s tail, giving cattails their common name.
Cattails spread rapidly through wetland areas via underground rhizome root systems as well as wind-dispersed seeds. They thrive in shallow marsh waters, ditches, lake edges, and other wet, mucky soils. Cattails are considered native plants in North America and provide habitat and food sources for wildlife. However, aggressive growth can allow cattails to crowd out other wetland species over time.
Source: https://kidadl.com/facts/cattail-plant-facts-benefits-habitat-importance-and-more
Benefits of Hand Pulling Cattails
Hand pulling cattails is a targeted, selective method for removing them. Unlike using herbicides or mechanical removal methods which can inadvertently damage surrounding plants, hand pulling allows you to specifically target the cattails you want gone. This avoids killing desirable native plants or damaging the surrounding ecosystem.
According to the SL Conservancy, “Hand-pulling works best when the soil is wet and soft. When the soil is hard, it requires a lot more effort and can cause erosion on steep slopes, so hand-pull only when the soil is wet enough.” This selective removal ensures only the target cattails are eliminated.
Hand pulling is also an environmentally friendly control method. As noted by Coastal Invasive Species Committee, “Manual invasive plant control usually refers to hand-pulling or digging. Manual control works well for dealing with single plants or small infestations that have not had time to establish seed banks or extensive root systems.” Thus, hand pulling can be highly effective when done properly and avoid unintended consequences.
Overall, the ability to precisely target cattails makes hand pulling beneficial. It provides control over exactly which plants are removed compared to other more broad removal techniques.
When to Remove Cattails by Hand
The best time to remove cattails by hand is in early summer before the seed heads form, according to Cornell Cooperative Extension1. Removing cattails before they go to seed prevents them from spreading and makes it easier to control regrowth. If the seed heads have already formed, it’s best to wait until late summer or fall when the plants start to turn brown and die back. Cutting cattails in the spring or early summer can actually stimulate their growth and make the problem worse.
It’s crucial to properly time cattail removal. According to The Pond Guy2, wait until the cut cattails are completely brown and wilted before trying to dispose of them, otherwise they can potentially reroot. Cutting too early encourages regrowth. For best results, target cattails in early summer before seed heads form or in late summer/fall once they are dying back.
How to Pull Cattails by Hand
When hand pulling cattails, it’s important to wear protective gloves since the leaves have sharp edges that can cut your hands. Grasp the cattail stalk firmly just below the seed head. Rock the stalk back and forth while pulling upwards to loosen the roots and make removal easier. Try to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent re-rooting and regrowth. According to Cattail Removal Options, pulling the cattails by the roots will help control growth and spread.
Focus on gently loosening the roots by rocking before pulling straight up. Attempting to rip cattails straight out of the ground is not as effective as dislodging the roots first. Remove any loose roots or rhizomes left behind to prevent re-rooting. Regular hand pulling throughout the growing season can help manage cattail growth and allow desirable plants to establish.
Disposal and Control of Pulled Cattails
Properly disposing of pulled cattails is an important part of the removal process. Cattails spread rapidly, so any missed root fragments left behind can lead to regrowth. According to Cornell Cooperative Extension source, the recommended disposal method is to remove pulled cattails from the site completely to prevent spreading. Composting pulled cattails onsite can lead to new plants sprouting from rhizome fragments mixed in the compost.
Once cattails have been manually pulled, it’s critical to monitor the area and remove any new shoots that may emerge from remaining roots or plant matter. This follow-up is necessary because hand pulling alone often does not fully eliminate the plant. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln source, persistence is key when controlling regrowth of cattails. Repeated cutting or pulling of new shoots can help exhaust the plant’s energy stores until the infestation is under control.
Alternatives to Hand Pulling Cattails
While hand pulling can be an effective method for cattail removal, there are some other techniques that may be better suited depending on the extent of the infestation:
Cutting
Using an aquatic weed cutter or similar cutting tool to sever cattail stems below the water line is a quick and effective removal method according to Waterfront Restoration. Cutting prevents further spread through seed dispersal and eventual death of the plant. However, cutting alone may not fully eliminate cattails since remaining roots can resprout.
Burning
Controlled burning of dried cattails in early spring can help reduce density according to Weeders Digest. But like cutting, burning does not destroy the root system so regrowth is likely. Burning also requires permits and supervision for safety.
Herbicide Spraying
Applying EPA approved aquatic herbicides containing glyphosate or imazapyr to freshly cut cattail stems can offer more complete control by destroying the roots. Proper protective equipment is essential when spraying. Herbicides may have water use restrictions after application.
Excavation
For small areas, digging out the entire cattail plant including all roots can provide permanent removal. But excavation can disturb pond muck and ecology. Removed plant matter also requires proper disposal.
Safety Precautions When Removing Cattails
When removing cattails by hand, it is important to take proper safety precautions to avoid injury. Here are some tips:
Wear protective clothing such as long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and safety goggles. The foliage and stalks of cattails can be sharp, and protective gear will prevent cuts and scrapes. Gloves will also protect your hands from blisters during prolonged pulling and digging (How to Get Rid of Cattails).
Beware of wildlife living in and around the cattails. Snakes, turtles, muskrats, and other animals may bite if startled or threatened. Use caution and make noise as you work to avoid surprising any creatures (How to Control Cattail – AquaPlant: Management of Pond Weeds).
Work carefully to avoid slipping and falling into the water. The muddy areas around cattails can be slippery. Having a partner to assist is recommended in case someone does fall in and needs help.
Use bug spray and check for ticks after working around cattails, which can harbor mosquitoes and ticks. Wearing light colors can make ticks easier to spot and remove.
Be aware of any herbicide applications in the area and follow any safety precautions. Do not work in areas treated with herbicides until they are dry and safe for exposure.
Take breaks and drink water to avoid overexertion. Removing cattails by hand is physically demanding work. Pace yourself and do not overdo it, especially in heat and humidity.
With some common sense precautions, hand removal of cattails can be done safely. Gear up appropriately for the conditions, work carefully, and take care to avoid wildlife encounters.
Ecological Considerations
Cattails provide important ecological benefits, especially as a habitat for wildlife. According to The Nature Conservancy, “Their stands create protection and nesting habitat for many birds, reptiles, insects and animals.” (https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/UT_WingsWater_WetlandProducers_Jan19.pdf)
Many species rely on cattails for food, shelter, and nesting materials. For example, red-winged blackbirds often nest in cattails. Muskrats eat cattail rhizomes and also use the leaves to build lodges. Dragonflies, damselflies, and other insects live in and around cattail stands. Deer, moose, and other mammals eat cattail leaves and stems.
Cattail’s dense growth provides cover from predators for many small animals. Their roots and litter help filter pollutants and prevent erosion. Removing too many cattails at once can negatively impact habitats, so ecological concerns should be balanced with control efforts.
Permit Requirements
Removing cattails by hand near wetlands or waterways often requires permits to comply with regulations. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), “Destruction of any emergent vegetation (for example, cattails and bulrushes). Cutting or pulling by hand, or by mechanical means, requires a permit” (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt/apg/regulations.html). The DNR strives to preserve cattail habitat, only permitting removal in small areas for boat access. Permits allow tracking of cumulative impacts to habitats (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aquatic_plants/emergent_plants/cattails.html). Consult your state and local DNR before hand pulling cattails near protected wetlands or waterways.
Conclusion
In summary, hand pulling cattails can be an effective method of removal when done properly and with care. The best times to remove cattails by hand are early spring or late fall when the ground is soft and water levels are low. Be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves, and waterproof boots for protection. Grab the cattail stalks as close to the base as possible and pull straight up with steady force to remove the entire root system. Dispose of pulled cattails away from water and monitor the area for regrowth. Control methods like covering or herbicide may be needed to prevent cattails from returning.
Hand pulling cattails has minimal environmental impact compared to other removal methods if done selectively and with prevention of soil erosion in mind. However, permits may be required if working near protected wetlands, so check regulations. When properly timed and carefully executed, hand pulling can allow control over specific cattails while preserving the wetland ecosystem.
