Many gardeners consider their yard to be their haven. It’s a haven of calm and quiet in an otherwise hectic world. Regrettably, there may be difficulties in paradise. Invasive plants pose a greater threat to our ecology and economy than they are to our economics. They pose a danger to the tranquility of our natural environments.
An invasive plant is a species that has evolved into a nuisance, spreading rapidly and displacing native plants. They are frequently non-natives who have immigrated from other nations. However, natural plants may be invasive as well.
Invasive species are controlled using three major methods: biological, mechanical, and chemical. The purposeful manipulation of natural enemies by humans for the goal of pest management is known as biological control.
Mowing, hoeing, cultivating, and hand pulling are examples of mechanical control. Herbicides are used in chemical control. Techniques and chemicals used will vary depending on the species.
Digging and Pulling
Figure 1THOM GONZALEZ/PEXELS IMAGES
This approach works well for plants with a diameter of approximately one inch and a limited number of leaves, such as those found in backyards and kitchen gardens. The main goal is to weaken the plants by removing as many roots as possible. Most plants store their energy in their roots.
Pulling is time-consuming, but it is the most effective method for individuals who wish to remove invasive species in a natural way. It is also recommended that after removing these plants, one should replace them with fresh beneficial plants to decrease their habitat.
Several instruments may be available to assist in the removal of plants larger than one inch in diameter. This approach works best in the spring or early summer, when soils are wet and plants may easily emerge.
Mowing and cutting
Figure 2KELLY LACY/PEXELS IMAGES
Mowing should take place at a low level, as near to the soil as feasible. Because the major objective is to interrupt the reproduction cycle, it is recommended that it be done as often as feasible. Before mowing, the plants should not have grown more than a couple of inches.
When it comes to mowing or cutting, the best time is in the spring or early summer, when growth is at its peak. It should be done one more time before winter to totally stress the plants, which are already feeble.
Cutting and mowing leaves and stems weakens the plants by forcing them to re-grow using the energy stored in the roots. As a result, it’s best to mow as frequently as possible. As a result of this treatment, the infestation may appear to worsen, therefore you’ll have to be as persistent as the invasive plants themselves.
When you cut the plants back, the root system expands slightly, but it must rely on its energy stores to spur fresh development. This technique will take a long time to become successful, therefore you must be dedicated to it or it will backfire.
Suffocation and smothering
Plastics or even mulching plants to keep seedlings from accessing light and air can choke small seedlings and herbaceous plants. This approach may take a long time to work, but it kills both invasive plants after they have dried up (to consider invasive plants in this case).
To avoid fresh invasion, spread alternative plants or even a cover crop once the invading plants have dried. When applying plastic, be certain that it covers the whole area to be protected.
To guarantee that no light passes through, the polymers should be transparent or black and devoid of UV ray penetration. The plastics must be well sealed to prevent air from passing through. The invasive plants will die slowly as a result of their inability to obtain essential nutrients for living.
If mulching is used, many layers of mulch should be used to prevent seedlings from gaining access to light or air. This guarantees that breakdown occurs and that the seedlings’ and herbaceous plants’ roots die.
Soil solarization is a straightforward and low-cost procedure. The plants beneath should be completely dead after six weeks. However, prolonged periods of gloomy weather may necessitate an extension of the treatment duration.
Spraying
Figure 3MARK STEBNICKI/PEXELS IMAGES
Herbicides are thought to be one of the most effective ways to get rid of and manage invasive species. Herbicides can be selective or non-selective. Glyphosphate is non-selective, killing anything it comes into contact with, but triclopyr is selective, killing everything except monocots.
For both personal and environmental safety, it is recommended that you read labels and follow directions carefully. When chemical goods are utilized incorrectly, they have both acute and long-term health and environmental consequences.
If you are unsure, it is better to get advice from a specialist. Professionals have received more training in the usage of chemical goods. They have strict safety precautions in place and are covered by insurance.
Furthermore, the herbicides employed should be authorized for aquatic usage by state authorities. Spraying in the early fall, after the lawn has been mowed until late summer, is more effective.
In conclusion, when it comes to invasive ornamentals, early action is crucial. There is hope while they are contained in your landscape, and it is in your hands.
When it comes to invasive ornamentals, early action is crucial. There is hope while they are contained in your landscape, and it is in your hands.
