Your garden is a beautiful focal point for your backyard. Plus, gardening has many health benefits, like improving heart health and reducing stress. While tending to your vegetation, look out for the following invasive species.
1. Chinese Wisteria
This plant is popular in gardens because of its flowering nature. The petals come in shades of blue, violet, pink, or white. While it looks pretty, the plants can displace native species. Some tall trees have been killed by wisteria vines. This then leaves the ground open for wisteria seedlings to grow. The vegetation has become invasive in some areas of the eastern United States.
To remove Chinese wisteria, follow these steps:
- Dig up any new sprouts and get rid of the roots.
- Use shears to cut the main vine at the bottom of the plant.
- Place all clippings, vines, and flowers in the trash.
- Apply an herbicide to the cut end. The best time to apply this chemical is in the winter.
- If new growth emerges, cut it back and reapply the herbicide.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing tall grass. It is often used in construction for flooring and roofing. However, the running variety can cause problems in your garden. Once it’s established, bamboo can grow up to 50 feet, making it harder to maintain. The underground roots also expand farther, leaving little room for other species.
To remove the bamboo from your garden, cut the bamboo to ground level and thoroughly water the area. You’ll want to repeat the process several times. Other techniques include digging up the bamboo or smothering it with tarps.
3. Winter Creeper
These plants form dense mats which take away space and sunlight from native flowers. Winter creeper also depletes nutrients and moisture from nearby vegetation. It’s spread by birds, small mammals, and water. If they’re not controlled, the vines can spread quickly and overtake trees.
If you notice the plant in your garden, pull it out of the ground. Make sure you get all of the roots so it doesn’t regrow. Then pick up the clippings and compost them. You can also try smothering the plant with cardboard or mowing.
4. Royal Paulownia
Royal paulownia was brought into the U.S. from China as an ornamental landscaping tree. The tree has heavy branches and can grow up to 30-60 feet tall. It is found in parts of the Eastern U.S., including Maine. It can invade forests, stream banks, and rocky slopes, displacing native plants.
To remove these trees from your backyard, start by cutting back the branches and brush. This will give you access to the tree roots. The next steps include mulching and then grinding the stump.
5. English Ivy
English ivy impacts all levels of your garden. As the ivy grows, it blocks the sunlight for other plants. In addition, the weight of the vines causes infested trees to fall over during heavy rain or snowfall.
To get rid of English ivy, try mowing or pulling it out. Then throw away the removed ivy immediately. Some people also use herbicides, such as Triclopyr. If you’re looking for a natural alternative, use white vinegar. Then cover the area with 6-8 inches of mulch.
6. Japanese Stiltgrass
This species looks similar to a small bamboo plant. It has multiple stems, with long leaves and aerial roots near the base. The grass will spread across your garden floor, forming dense patches. Then other plants have less room to flourish.
If there is only a small amount of vegetation, you can pull it out by hand. For larger issues, use herbicides with glyphosate. Another tip is to mow in the late summer before the vegetation can seed.
7. Reed Canary Grass
This grass has blue-green stems and clustered tiny beige flowers. Reed canary grass can outcompete native grasses, growing about 6 feet tall. They have become invasive within much of North America. When you spot them in your garden, try to dig them out by hand. If there is a larger cluster, use herbicides containing glyphosate, such as Roundup.
How to Protect Your Garden
Invasive plants can harm native species and impact our ecosystem. Many can grow fast or tall and block sunlight from nearby vegetation. That’s why it’s important to control the spread of invasive flowers. So, the next time your gardening, review this list to keep these species out of your garden.
Bio:
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.