Thousands of plant species have been brought to North America in the past three centuries for use as food, conservation uses a

Thousands of plant species have been brought to North America in the past three centuries for use
as food, conservation uses and as ornamentals. Others hid in soil, crop seed, or ballast. Most
came from other continents, but a few have spread from other parts of the US. Most introduced
species are well-behaved, rarely penetrating natural areas. Several hundred, however, have no
natural controls here, and are able to out-compete and gradually displace our native plants, even
deep in forests and undisturbed ecosystems. Variously called alien, introduced, or exotic, these
non-natives are highly invasive.

Control of these plants is often a challenge. Since they grow rapidly and have no natural controls they can rapidly take over the surrounding area. Often the only
indication you have may have an invasive species problem is to visit part of your property and see the site covered with a plant you’ve never seen before.

There are mainly two methods used to control exotic plants: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical methods include mowing, cutting, chopping, pulling by hand, etc.
All are labor intensive. Chemical means to control exotic plants involves the use of herbicides. Modern herbicides are quite effective for controlling the targeted
plants. Many are selective and will only kill plants that they were designed to kill. A program can be developed for your property to identify the species present and
control program developed to eradicate or control those species in a cost effective manner.