Easy Signs Your Yard Hides Tricky Plants

Honestly, not all greenery in your yard is a good thing. Some of it could be invasive plants that are causing trouble. Invasive species are plants that don’t belong in your local environment and spread aggressively, crowding out the plants you actually want. The tricky part is they can look pretty healthy and green year-round, even without any special care. So if you’ve got a random plant growing like crazy and looking unnaturally lush, it’s probably an invasive one to watch out for.

A lot of invasive plants were originally brought in as ornamental garden plants, like the burning bush, Japanese honeysuckle, or English ivy. They might be eye-catching, but these plants can quickly take over and ruin the natural balance of your yard. It’s best to steer clear of them if you can.

Okay, so you’ve got an invasive plant on your hands – now what? The first step is to properly identify it so you know what you’re dealing with. Check the listings at Invasive.Org or the USDA’s Invasive & Noxious Search, or ask your local Cooperative Extension office for help. Once you know what it is, you’ll need to get rid of it completely – roots and all. Don’t just toss it in the compost, as the seeds or plant parts can still spread. Either trash it, seal it in a bag and leave it in the sun, or call a professional for disposal. If the plant is really out of control, you may even need to use some herbicides to get it under control. Getting rid of invasive species is important to protect your garden and local wildlife.