Control where it goes

As much as any species out there, false-brome is spread by people. So, folks with good trail hygiene can dramatically reduce the threat of false-brome. That means cleaning your boots after hiking in infested areas (or maybe just every hike?), checking the dog’s fur, and scrubbing down your tires if you’ve gone off-road.

Control where it grows

• Dig: digging up false-brome is simple but requires removal of all roots. Cutting seedheads in June decreases the possibility of seed spread. Dug-up plants and cut seedheads must be bagged and put in the garbage to prevent spread to new areas.
• Treat: low rates of herbicide applied in fall will kill adult plants, though herbicide is most effective after a June flower cutting and followed by annual monitoring for new seedlings.
• Check: monitor the site at least annually, and especially years two and three after treatment, as any surviving seed takes its big opportunity to sprout! 

Last Words

If you suspect you’ve found false-brome, the City of Portland REQUIRES you to report it.  You can report suspected patches to Mitch Bixby with the Environmental Services' Early Detection/Rapid Response Program at 503-823-2989 or mitch.bixby@portlandoregon.gov.  Because several grass species are commonly mis-identified as false-brome, we encourage reporting so that positive identification can be made prior to management.  The City of Portland offers assistance with managing false-brome if you would like it.