Site assessment can also include the potential for controlled flooding to stimulate the natural regeneration of native species. If water and material resources are available to construct irrigation works, periodic controlled flooding can restore riparian system processes as well as successfully revegetate areas. Techniques employed to control saltcedar have included various combinations of herbicide application, mechanical control and burning. Treatments have proven satisfactory primarily due to the flexibility in employing one or several of these techniques if and when required. Controlled burning is then used to eliminate aerial stems in preparation for revegetation.
Mechanical control involves root plowing and raking using heavy equipment.
Bulldozers pull large plows about 45 cm. The root crown is the underground portion of the plant from which resprouts arise. Root crowns are then pulled from the ground using large rakes and then stacked for burning with front-end loaders equipped with brush rakes. The operation leaves an even surface which facilitates flooding or planting. Combinations of mechanical and chemical control have also been used.