FBRA President Recommends Dune Beach Grass to Help Restore Beachfront

During the 1980’s the FBRA initiated a project with home owners to develop a sand dune by planting sea grass in front of their beach front homes.  The undertaking was successful and proved for many what it was intended – a safety barrier from storm driven water.  This concept is believed to be a form of protection from storms and ultimately a tool in assisting with beach erosion.

Plants before planting

Home owners can develop a sand dune easily with posts, a snow fence and plantings.

After planting

The best time to plant Cape Variety Beach Grass is October thru March.  Churches Garden Center ships October thru March.  It is recommended if you plant in October, and the weather continues to be warm, to wait until it turns colder. The 2 recommended fertilizing times are spring and fall, using 20-5-10.  #20 represents Nitrogen, #5 represents Phosphorus and #10 represents Potash, which promotes root growth.

The 2012 season cost for the grass is .19 cents each which includes shipping.  It is recommended that you plant two stems it each hole.  The cost for a 1000 plants is $190.00; when an order reaches 10,000 a discount will be applied. 

A new form of planting has been developed, allowing home owners to plant after the recommended March deadline and can be planted in April and May.  It is a 2” by 2” plug which is more mature.  The cost is .64 cents each and does not include shipping which is determined by the size of the order.

Another tip I find helpful, if you have a bare spot in your dune you may successfully transplant plants from another part of your dune from October thru March.

The snow fence can be found at Ring’s End Lumber in Norwalk.

Cape Variety Beach Grass can be ordered from Church’s Garden Center, 522 Seashore Road, Cape May, New Jersey telephone 609-884-7738, also check out their web site: www.churchsbeachgrass.com   

Penfield Reef can be very dangerous - currents and tides
   are tricky - be careful while fishing or swimming

Fires on the beach are against the law 
      a permit is required.

 While exercising walk against the traffic, bike with the traffic and jog against the traffic

The speed limit in the beach area is 25 MPH 
       please drive slow