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Remove Invasives

Invasive weeds are generally non-native plants introduced to this area from other parts of the world. Many were first brought here for a certain use by colonists in the mid-1800s and continue to be imported. Over time the population levels exploded into problems or were carriers of other species (diseases, insects, seeds, etc.).

 

Multiflora Rose, Rosa multiflora, was originally used as an ornamental fence. Invasives affect many businesses within agriculture and destroy natural habitats. Most of these non-native invasive plants have strong survival advantages that can include:

  • Production of thousands of seeds with long seed viability

  • Rapid early growth rates

  • Very few native predators (fungi, diseases or insects) to control

  • Resiliency to pathogens

  • Waxy coating on leaves slows decomposition

  • Extensive roots, tubers or rhizomes can resprout after topkill

  • Tolerance to harsh soil conditions, flooding, drought and shade

  • Secretion of allelopathic chemicals in soil that prevents other plant seed from germinating or growth

You can be a part of the solution!

  1. Identify some of the most common problem plants.

  2. Remove the invasive at the right time of year with a fitting method (use the legend below for the following pages). NOTE: depending on chemical used, there may be some variation within particular months. When using goats it is important to repeatedly defoliate target plants as soon as they leaf out during the growing season (control depends on stocking density and height of target plants; goats can also debark woody plants to provide adequate control). Contact a local Cooperative Extension or Forest Service office for chemical recommendations and to see if rent-a-goat operations exist. Most herbs and vines can be controlled with cardboard and mulch during December-February.

  3. Replant with native vegetation of local origin or non-invasive alternatives. Establishing a thick cover of trees will help shade out and discourage establishment of many invasives. Native plants should always be selected for wildlife food plots, pollinator habitat, and soil stabilization.

More info:

When To Manage and the Best Control Method for Common NC Piedmont Invasives

https://www.ncsu.edu/goingnative/

http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/news/456

http://ncwildflower.org/plant_galleries/invasives

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