Understanding and Combating Invasive Plants
Invasive bittersweet vine. These berries are spread by birds and can survive in the soil for many year.
In the realm of ecosystems and biodiversity, the term 'invasive' carries a weighty significance. Invasive plants refer to non-native plant species that aggressively establish themselves in new environments, often outcompeting and displacing native flora.
The consequences of invasive plants extend beyond mere displacement; they disrupt entire ecosystems, posing threats to native plants, birds, insects, and even human communities. In this article, we will delve into what makes a plant invasive, the origins of these invaders, the havoc they wreak on ecosystems, and steps you can take today to eliminate these invaders from your yard.
What does it mean if a plant is invasive?
When a plant species is labeled invasive, it means that it has the ability to rapidly reproduce and spread, outcompeting native vegetation in its new habitat. These invaders often lack natural predators or diseases that would normally keep their populations in check, allowing them to thrive and dominate. Invasive plants are a significant concern due to their potential to alter entire ecosystems.
Many invasive plants were introduced intentionally or accidentally by humans. Global trade, transportation, and gardening practices have facilitated the movement of plant species across continents. Some plants were introduced for aesthetic purposes, agriculture, or erosion control, but without natural checks on their populations, they can quickly become invasive.
Why are invasive plants bad?
Invasive plants pose a myriad of threats to native ecosystems. They compete for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, often outcompeting native plants and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This, in turn, affects the wildlife that depend on native vegetation for food and habitat.
Birds, insects, and other animal life that have evolved in harmony with native plants struggle to adapt to invasive species. Invasive plants can alter the structure of habitats, making them less suitable for native fauna. Furthermore, invasive plants often lack the nutritional value that native species provide, affecting the health and reproductive success of animals.
Human communities are not exempt from the impacts of invasive plants, and the consequences can extend into unexpected realms. In England, for example, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) has reached such proportions that it influences the real estate market. Potential homebuyers may find it challenging to secure a mortgage if Japanese Knotweed is identified in the vicinity of the property. The aggressive growth and potential structural damage caused by Japanese Knotweed can undermine the value of homes, making financial institutions hesitant to offer loans. This unique intersection of invasive plant biology and real estate underscores the far-reaching implications of invasive species, reaching into aspects of our daily lives that may not be immediately apparent. Some invasive species can also create fire hazards, clog waterways, and reduce the aesthetic and recreational value of natural spaces. Invasive plants can also have economic implications, affecting agriculture and increasing the cost of weed control.
Most Invasive Plants in the United States
Several invasive plants have established themselves in the United States, causing extensive ecological damage. Each region has their own problematic plants so I encourage you to visit your local university or government website and educate yourself on what you should be looking for in your own yard. Here are some of the top invasive plants in the United States:
Japanese Knotweed: Known for its rapid growth and ability to penetrate infrastructure, Japanese Knotweed can form dense thickets, displacing native vegetation.
Kudzu: Often referred to as "the vine that ate the South," Kudzu is notorious for its rapid growth and ability to smother native vegetation.
Oriental Bittersweet: This aggressive vine can wrap around trees and shrubs, outcompeting native plants and strangling to death he native flora that it touches. The beautiful berries it produces are commonly used in floral arrangements which contributes to its spread.
Purple Loosestrife: This attractive yet invasive plant can take over wetland areas, displacing native wetland species and impacting biodiversity.
Garlic Mustard: This invasive herb disrupts forest ecosystems by outcompeting native plants and releasing chemicals that inhibit the growth of other species. Pro tip: garlic mustard spreads by seed. Make sure to pull or cut it down before it flowers. With its distinctive garlic and mustard flavors, the young leaves of garlic mustard can be harvested and incorporated into salads, soups, or pesto.
Why should invasive plants be removed?
As stewards of the environment, it is our responsibility to take action against invasive plants. One crucial step is to assess and manage invasive species in our yards and local landscapes. By doing so, we contribute to the preservation of native ecosystems and the species that rely on them.
How to get rid of invasive plants naturally
Pulling After Rain:
Invasive plants are often easier to uproot after rainfall when the soil is soft. This minimizes soil disturbance and reduces the likelihood of unintended consequences for nearby native plants.
Stump Treating:
Let me preface this next statement with this is the only situation when I use and will endorse herbicides. I have had amazing success in just one season by employing this method.
When removing larger invasive plants, cutting alone may not suffice and the plant may return with vengeance, often sprouting several new plants from the one you cut! Apply an herbicide ONLY to the stump to prevent regrowth immediately after cutting the plant down. Be sure to follow the bottle directions to a T please!
Depriving of Photosynthesis:
Some invasive plants, like Japanese Knotweed and Oriental Bittersweet, can be weakened by consistently cutting them back, depriving them of the sunlight needed for photosynthesis.
Community Engagement:
Raising awareness and engaging local communities in invasive plant removal efforts can have a significant impact. Organizing community clean-up events, educational programs, and involving volunteers can amplify the reach and effectiveness of invasive plant management.
Competing Plants:
Introducing or encouraging the growth of native plants that naturally compete with invasive species can be an effective strategy. Native plants can help suppress the growth of invasives. Let’s call this guerilla gardening! For example, you might try planting native golden groundsel among garlic mustard, or native hayscented fern among stiltgrass. These aggressive native plants will put up a good fight against the invader as long as you do battle with them and pull any invasives as they appear.
Consumer Awareness:
It is not uncommon for big box stores and some nurseries to sell invasive plants in a region. Bradford pear trees and burning bush are examples of plants that are readily sold across the nation. As consumers, it is crucial to be aware of the plants we purchase and ensure they are not invasive in our local ecosystems.
How to Dispose of Invasive Plants Responsibly
Ok, so you’ve done the work. The plants have been removed. Now what? As each region is unique with specific invasive plants, I would suggest calling your state’s environmental agency and asking for best practices for disposal.
Generally, avoid dumping them in natural areas, as this can contribute to further spread and ecological harm. Don’t just throw them in the trash either. My preferred methods are to lay the plant on a driveway or other sunny surface and let it dry out entirely before bagging it up and disposing of the plant matter, or if your property allows for a fire, burn it.
Best Tools for Invasive Plant Removal
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Here are some of my must have tools for invasive plant removal.
Heavy Duty Spray Bottles - This is where you will mix your herbicide solution, if you choose to use it. Again, please follow the directions exactly as they are on the bottle. Also, label this spray bottle! My reads “bittersweet poison” so I know not to use it for anything else, ever.
Long, Leather Gardening Gloves - You may come across some plants with nasty thorns, like multiflora rose. These gloves are a game changer as you can forge ahead with confidence.
Fiskars 32" PowerGear2 Steel Blade Garden Bypass Lopper and Tree Trimmer - This is a must have if you are unable to pull plants out at the roots. The length also allows you to reach under brush when you can’t get close to the base of the plant.
Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears - Also a must have in your arsenal of plant removal. When the loppers are overkill, these do the job.
Cordless Mini Chainsaw - I recently bought one of these after years of relying on loppers only or a regular handsaw and I’m kicking myself for not getting it sooner. For trunks or branches over 2'“ this makes the job so easy! Save your hands, strength and time and get on of these. Worth every penny.
Safety Glasses - Regardless of what method of removal you are using, safety glasses are a non-negotiable. Vines will whip back into your face. Pieces of wood will defy the laws of physics and fly backwards with alarming force. Please protect your eyes. I like these because they have a bit of padding which also serves to block any gaps where foreign debris can get in.
Invasive plants represent a silent but destructive force in our ecosystems, threatening the delicate balance of native flora and fauna. By taking responsibility for the removal of invasive plants in our own yards, we can play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the health of our natural environments for generations to come.
