Over the last few years we’ve had reports of hedge and tree saplings appearing in Miscanthus crops. These have included Alder, Hawthorn, Willow and Oak.
It’s generally been a problem in older, thinner crops, but that’s not to say it can’t happen in younger crops.
It becomes an issue when growers don’t spot the saplings soon enough. They’re easy to miss because herbicide treatments are sprayed before Miscanthus shoots emerge and this is when the saplings aren’t yet in leaf.
Please could Miscanthus growers be vigilant and inspect crops for saplings and if they are present, spot spray as soon as possible.
If saplings are left and harvested with the Miscanthus it causes a ‘coppice’ effect meaning the saplings come back vigorously and are harder to remove.
One Staffordshire Miscanthus crop had to be removed due to a heavy willow infestation which caused land drains to be blocked and damaged and this resulted in flooded fields.
It’s important not to compromise crops with issues which can be easily dealt with if caught early enough. Please get in touch if you have any questions.