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George residents urged to clear properties of Pampas grass

The George Municipality would like to urge private landowners to act and clear Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas grass which is invading the George Area again.
George Municipality is currently clearing the Pampas grass on Municipal property in line with its Alien Vegetation Management Plan.

The Pampas grass has become prolific around the industrial areas, along the highways, local dams, and factory areas. For the past month, Pampas grass has been cleared along CJ Langenhoven Road, portions of the Garden Route Dam, Madiba Road, Municipal properties in the industrial area, Dellville Park along the N2 and municipal erfs along Beach Road, Pacaltsdorp.

George Municipality applauds residents who were given the notice to remove pampas on their private property and have cooperated well in their actions. The Municipality wants to thank these residents for the positive response.

Pampas grass seeds can be dispersed by wind and human activities. It can germinate quickly after flowering causing them to spread rapidly. George Municipality has requested the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment to give notices and directives to private properties that do not clear their pampas grass. It would be advisable to get rid of the grass in its early growth stage before it flowers and produces seeds that can be easily dispersed by wind. The methods that can be used to remove pampas grass include digging, burning, and using herbicides.

The process of eradicating pampas grass is not a one-size-fits-all, but it is important to note that the most effective way to remove pampas grass is to use both the physical and chemical methods simultaneously. Private landowners can contact the George Municipality Parks and Recreation Department for details on registered and approved herbicides for the control of Pampas grass.

Enquiries
Parks and Recreation, Directorate Community Services
82 Meade Street, George
044 802 2900
parks@george.gov.za (all complaints via this address)