As part of a salmon recovery project in an urban stream of Seattle, Washington, invasive blackberries were removed using three treatments (digging up the roots, dabbing with round-up, and spraying with round-up). A control plot was also established and each set of treatments and control were done in triplicate. After each treatment was complete, the plots were planted with native vegetation (more than 30 species) and stream bank stabilization bioengineering methods were applied. The plants' status was monitored using a GIS database for 5 years. Subsequent to this experimental installation, four soil types were determined at the study site. Native plant survival and health was found to be associated with both treatment and soil type. Plant survival was lowest on construction fill and highest in the riparian Norma series and abandoned yards. Survival was moderate and more selective on the compacted till of the Alderwood series. Blackberry control was most successful on the areas that had roots removed, but these plots were also more susceptible to invasion by secondary weeds.
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