LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MANAGEMENT include everything from chemical management to the use of full-scale land management equipment to pull up woody plant life .
Invasives decrease recreational opportunities , increase soil erosion , degrade wildlife habitats and lessen water quality , which is why landscape and grounds management professionals should avoid them at all costs . The following are some of the most damaging invasive plants in the United States .
1 . ENGLISH IVY The spread of English ivy began back in the 1700s when European colonists began to arrive in America . They brought this plant with them because it ’ s easy to grow and it provides a green groundcover . English ivy is one of the worst plants for landscaping . It quickly spreads in any condition , and it will grow on the sides of homes , as well as trees . Once it does , it slowly kills them because it restricts sunlight .
2 . CHINESE WISTERIA Chinese wisteria is a popular choice for many gardens and landscapes . However , despite its beauty , it is an invasive species . It ’ s a flowering vine that has proliferated in the eastern United States because of the similar climate in China . This plant can displace native species . Like English ivy , Chinese wisteria can kill large trees , so avoid planting this in landscaping .
3 . JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE Japanese honeysuckle has very few enemies in North America . Initially , people brought the plant to America because of its erosion control and ornamental use . It ’ s another type of aggressive vine . This invasive plant can completely smother out any other vegetation by tightly wrapping itself around stems and trunks and growing thick roots . It produces an attractive berry for birds , so they eat the fruit and spread the honeysuckle .
4 . BRADFORD PEAR Bradford pear trees may produce beautiful white flowers in the springtime , but they are an invasive species that should be avoided in landscaping . It ’ s a common plant in many regions of the eastern United States . These trees can form long rows along roadsides and in old fields . They choke out native species in many natural areas and parks . Garden centers commonly sell them , but they should not be planted .
5 . NORWAY MAPLE Another popular landscaping tree is the Norway maple . However , it is invasive and it can spread into woodlands even if it stays in a managed landscape . The native tree that it outcompetes is the sugar maple . Norway maples make it difficult for wildflowers to grow because they can form a dense canopy that blocks sunlight . It ’ s important to be aware of the differences between sugar maples and Norway maples so they can be avoided .
6 . JAPANESE BARBERRY Like many other invasive plants , the Japanese barberry came to the United States as a decorative plant . It escaped from the confines of a yard , and has spread throughout forests all across America . Japanese barberry crowds out native plants , and is the perfect home for the black-legged tick , which carries Lyme disease .
Remove any barberry on a commercial or residential property . Younger plants can be pulled up by hand , but established ones require professional landscaping equipment .
PREVENTING INVASIVE SPECIES FROM TAKING ROOT Landscapers should be educated on invasive species to avoid using them for projects . However , another crucial prevention aspect is preventing unwanted plant life from taking root by chance . Recycled wood chips and other mulches can guard against
Be wary of transporting invasive species via lumber and other materials that can hide determined plants and insects . It ’ s accidental transportation that often allows invasive species to spread in a new environment .
stray seeds that may start pollinating in welcoming soil .
More generally , be wary of transporting invasive species via lumber and other materials that can hide determined plants and insects . It ’ s accidental transportation that often allows invasive species to spread in a new environment .
CHOOSE NATIVE PLANTS INSTEAD Native plants are the best option for any landscape . They ’ re already adapted to the region ’ s soil , climate and any other weather conditions , making them a lasting choice that is sure to look great .
Plus , they ’ re pollinator friendly , low maintenance , and they help maintain native biodiversity . When possible , choose natives for public or private landscapes to ensure the long-term health and success of landscaping site . SFM
Evelyn Long is a writer and editor focused on home building and construction . She is the co-founder of Renovated , a web magazine for the home industry .
Editor ’ s Note : This article originally appeared on Landscape-Business . com an affiliated production of SportsField Management . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com September 2021 | SportsField Management
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