If you have gotten this far you probably don't need any further convincing about how some nursery 'ornamentals' are racing each other to turn our native landscapes into competing globs of green and grey.
But if you have skipped the MANAGEMENT page, please review that page before reading about these bad plants
Click on the names of these evil squatters for a picture or two, some snarky commentary, and instructions on how to kill 'em graveyard dead. If, for a reason known only to the demons of the internet, you have trouble opening one of these pages, try a different browser.
These lists are just a start for the most common invasives. You will find links to many more below and in RESOURCES
Once the invasives are removed, there are many native species to take their place. Find a good list of native alternatives HERE, or on the PLANT LISTS page.
Once the invasives are removed, there are many native species to take their place. Find a good list of native alternatives HERE, or on the PLANT LISTS page.
If you are the victim of an alien invasion such that the ready-to-spray bottle of herbicide from Home Depot is like trying to empty the bathtub with a fork, here's what you'll need to mix up your defender spray from concentrate:
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- Water - have an easy on/off valve at your end of the hose
- a pump sprayer - glyphosate concentrate - A dye to help you see where you have sprayed (nice, but not necessary) - rubber boots - rubber gloves - plastic measuring cup - surfactant only for waxy leaves like english ivy or elaeagnus For cut n paint: - liquid shoe polish container with foam applicator - pruning shears - lopping shears - pruning saw Safety glasses are not in the picture. They are always a good idea when mixing liquids. NOTE: The links for some of these products are meant to help you identify them easily and not meant as an endorsement of the vendor. |
Do the mixing on bare ground. Any spills will be neutralized by the soil.
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Unfortunately, there are many more than these few. But they are representative of some of the challenges to our native ecosystem that a suburban homeowner is likely to face. Below are many more references and resources to aid you in the ongoing plant wars.