Tips for Eradicating Invasive Species

Last week’s post about the natural landscape http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2010/05/natural-landscape.html spurred some discussion about the best way to eradicate invasive species. If you have some of these problem plants on your property, it does not mean that you must eradicate but it is advisable to keep them in check. What often occurs is the invasive takes over a neighborhood, not just your own property if left unattended. If you find an invasive plant in your yard, you have two options: keep it from spreading or remove and replace it with a non-invasive.

Here are some simple tips to eradicate any problem plant material:

The first option is the old-fashion way by physically removing the plants including its root system. The second option is chemical treatment. For woody plant materials i.e., woody vines, shrubs or trees, you should flush-cut the plant at ground level and treat the stump with stump killer.

For herbaceous material like Japanese Bamboo, Poison Ivy and Bittersweet, this is best treated by spraying the foliage with a strong non-selective herbicide like Round-up that is used to kill brush. The absolute best time to apply is when the plant is in flower or setting seed. This is when the plant is at its most vulnerable state and has the lowest amount of reserves. The other time to treat is when the plant is under stress from extreme heat or drought conditions. Simply put, eradicate the plant when it is most vulnerable. If your timing is right, sometimes one application is all that is necessary. Your goal is to kill any part of the plant that has the potential of regenerating.

When it gets this bad, you know you are in trouble.

Unfortunately, you must get the heavy duty chemicals or be in great shape to dig out the root systems of these problematic species. Sometimes these jobs are best left to the professionals who are licensed applicators.

We can think of eradicating invasive species in the same way we would weeds. Astrid Alauda states it best. “You must weed your mind as you would weed your garden.” Don’t let your landscape be cluttered with the unnecessary. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine and remember to join our Facebook page for additional tips, photos and a place to comment and post your questions. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bilowz-Associates-Inc-Our-Blog-Annies-Gardening-Corner/325316334444

Above images from Internet