Volunteers removing weeds at Midewin, NTP

Once a site has been selected, you should remove all non-native plants. If they are left, they will compete with prairie vegetation for sunlight and nutrients. 

Non-native plants can be removed several ways: 

Turning over the roots
In late autumn, you can turnover the soil to expose plant roots to winter freezing temperatures. Simply use a shovel or spade to turn over the topsoil. Break up existing vegetation to help to eliminate non-prairie plants. 

Herbicide
A short-lived, fast acting herbicide applied to the site will destroy any unwanted vegetation. This will create an open environment for the prairie plants to grow. 

Fire
Although large restoration projects often use fire to control unwanted species, use of fire in small prairie gardens is not safe or necessary.