During the first fall, after warm temperatures have passed, a chemical such as dichlobenil can be applied to control weeds during the second growing season. The plastic mulch is laid down before planting and the sheet is cut where each plant is placed. Plastic mulch can be put into place by machine when it is possible to drive to the island, but hand labor will be required on islands surrounded by water. The plastic mulch is anchored automatically when applied by machine but is held down by rocks and soil when it is applied by hand. Shrub survival can be improved on all types of planting systems by watering plants during the growing season.
Water readily moves through the plastic mulch.
Shrubs should be established by the end of the second growing season. The foliage from tall shrubs and trees shades out low ground cover and also provides perching and nesting sites for avian predators. Tall shrubs and trees should be removed on nesting islands by cutting and spraying regrowth with an approved broadleaf herbicide. Branches, wood debris, or dead litter that remain after the shrubs and trees are cut down can be cleared by burning. However, the fire should not be allowed to spread to the remainder of the island.