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Prevent the introduction of invasive species: Control invasive exotic plants

Adaptation Strategies and Actions

Prevent the introduction of invasive species: Control invasive exotic plants

Adaptation type: 
Land and forest stewardship or restoration

Strategy:

Prevent the introduction of invasive species? and remove existing invasives
 

Action

Control invasive exotic plants

Invasive Japanese barberry. Photo credit: Anthony W. D'Amato
Invasive Japanese barberry. Photo credit: Anthony W. D'Amato

Invasive plant species will increasingly spread and respond positively to changing climatic conditions. Invasive species? can outcompete native vegetation, reduce plant diversity, and inhibit forest regeneration. Some species, such as oriental bittersweet, can take over a tree crown and weaken or even kill a tree.

Invasive exotic plant species have been shown to host significantly fewer native insects, which are an important food source for native wildlife, such as birds. The fruits of these plants have also been shown to be less nutritious than native fruits and therefore are a less valuable food source to wildlife.

Work to prevent the introduction of invasive species into your woods by cleaning clothing and boots that may carry seeds or fragments of invasive exotic plants. Learn the top unwanted plants and look for them when you are out on your land. It is far cheaper, easier, and more effective to control a few individual plants then to try to treat a larger infestation. Work with neighbors to control invasive exotic plants since controlling them on your land will do little if they are not controlled across boundaries and the stone wall.

Before implementing any forest management, be sure to inventory for invasive exotic species. They will need to be controlled before you harvest trees and allow sunlight into the forest, which will trigger their growth and spread. Also, require the timber harvester to powerwash their machines before entering your woods. Financial assistance may be available to landowners through the USDA NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) listed below.

Scope and Constraints

Time: 
Ongoing action

Goals

Forestry Goal 2: Reduce stress to forests

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