Feather Reed Grass Problems

Q: Three of my Feather Reed Grass clumps have fallen over sideways. When I went to clean them up, I noticed they were no longer attached to the ground. It looks like the tops were severed from the roots just below ground. What’s going on?

A: That’s pretty much a text book example of vole damage. Not uncommon this time of year. Voles look very similar to a large mouse with a short tail. They frequent open space areas but occasionally find their way into our very tasty landscapes. They are not very picky about their vegetarian meal menu so be aware that many of your favorite plants including young trees, shrubs and perennials are susceptible. You may find holes in the soil where perennials or bubs were planted, along with meandering runways in mulch or groundcovers and small holes leading to shallow tunnels. 

Now that you know the enemy, how do you fight back? After trying many methods I found that a multi layered approach works best, starting with Vole repellent granules and/or predator urine granules, in conjunction with simple, traditional mousetraps baited with peanut butter. Please avoid using anything poisonous to kill them. Secondary poisoning of pets and predators eating poisoned voles is not something you want on your conscience.

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Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show.