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Removal of reeds growing in a drainage ditch #929341

Asked April 23, 2026, 11:14 AM EDT

Hello experts. I have a storm water drainage ditch running through my neighborhood, behind a row of 6-8 houses. Sections of this ditch are now overgrown with what I know as reeds. They have grown expontially over the past two to three years, overtaking the ditch and surrounding vacant land along the ditch. Growth of these reeds is now occuring in the ditch, and they have become matted down from snow as well as wind, and are lying in and across the ditch, making the flow of storm sewer drain water impassable, causing flooding and marshiness in yards and adjacent property. Can you identify what these reeds are from the photos? Do you have advice on how to control or remediate this type of growth in a man-made storm water ditch? Thank you.

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

The main plant in your pictures is cattails. They are likely the invasive hybrid or European species, but I cannot tell due to the lack of detail in the images. 

Is this ditch private or is it a county ditch? If you do not know, first reach out to the Livingston Drain Commissioners Office as they may be able to do the work for you. https://milivcounty.gov/drain/

This ditch may also be considered a wetland, so any work done in it may require permits. I suggest you reach out to the Michigan Department Environment Great Lakes and Energy local wetland staff to learn if a permit is needed.  https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Programs/WRD/About-Us/Staff-Land-Water-Permits.pdf

There are multiple different management techniques. Here's a factsheet that summarizes your options: https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/imce/0011_0.pdf

Best,

~Erick

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 24, 2026, 4:45 PM EDT

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