 |
Photo Credit: James R. Allison GDNR |
Close encounters with alien plants
Aliens are invading our fields and forests! Originally developed as ornamental plants, these woody aliens exhibit rapid early growth and compete with native species for water, nutrients, sunlight and space.
Remember the story line of the movie “War of the Worlds”? Aliens are prolific reproducers with high viability and durability, meaning they are genetically enabled to supplant the native plant community.
Most alien plants were once ornamental plants that escaped horticultural propagation. Sometimes these plants are used by wildlife as a winter food source. Their seeds are spread by passing through the digestive system of the unwitting animal, with the ironic destiny of displacing the benefactor. While some alien plants rely on animals, others rely on wind and water for seed dispersal.
Many who have hunted rabbits or quail on the family farm have observed fencerows choked with alien plants. Deposited where animals perch, aliens have been allowed to proliferate where mowing and disking are not feasible.
The worst of these offenders can reduce plant diversity to a monoculture, affecting the balance of the ecosystem. Wildlife feeding, mating, nesting and brooding habits are disrupted as the plant diversity diminishes. Ultimately, the local animal population crashes as their habitat disappears. When was the last time you shot a brace of quail on the family farm?
This is particularly true for sensitive areas and remnant species, such as the Mississippi sandhill crane or the gopher tortoise, which requires open savannah grassland for nesting and foraging. Other more common species such as wild turkey or squirrels have been affected by conversion of their critical habitat to a monoculture of alien plants.
Frilling and Killing
The most versatile, precise and selective methods of ridding an area of alien plants involve a common herbicide and a few hand tools.
 |
Frilling, or using a machete or small hatchet to cut down the offending tree, then immediately spraying the stump with herbicide, is one way. Another is to make a cut into the tree base and apply herbicide in it. That’s called hack and squirt.
The herbicide glyphosate (sold as Roundup, Accord, or under other brand names) is effective if mixed as two parts herbicide to one part water. Use a common trigger-pull quart spray bottle to carry and apply the mixture. Make sure to label the spray bottle with the name and dose of the mixture to prevent misuse.
Reclaiming Habitat
Fortunately, landowners can do something about alien trees and shrubs on private woodlots. Even if you don’t own land, your local NWTF chapter can volunteer to help control alien plants at a local wildlife preserve or refuge. Every little bit helps in the “War of the (Plant) Worlds!” — Lee Atkins, Progressive Solution, Energy for Wildlife Herbicide Application Partner
WANT MORE? > Get the tools for your alien slayin’ arsenal at www.gerbergear.com, www.forestry-suppliers.com and www.vmanswers.com.