Tackle Invasive Species and Pest Management with Forestry Mulching

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Invasive plants are non-native to their ecosystem and out-compete native plants for light, water, space, and nutrients.  These plants cause both economic and environmental damage. Bittersweet, Barberry, Sumac, and Knotweed are some examples of invasives commonly seen in Maine. 

 

Why Remove Invasive Species?

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• Pest Management: Invasives tend to grow in thick patches, which are fantastic hide-outs for rodents, shielding them from natural predators. With rodents come ticks, both of which carry diseases transmissible to humans and pets.

• Property Damage and Value: Invasives can overrun and destroy building foundations, hardscaping, underground utilities, and more. 

• Aesthetics: Invasive plants often create a monotonous landscape, overcrowding and potentially killing intentional flowers, shrubs, and trees. 

• Biodiversity: According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, invasive species are the second-greatest threat to global biodiversity after loss of habitat. This means invasive species can monopolize the resources that beloved Maine native plants and animals need to survive. 

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Traditional invasive removal methods, such as using small power tools or land clearing with large machinery, can cause soil disturbance. Chemical controls require seasonal timing and proper dilution and are not allowed within certain distances from water. Invasives generally need to be removed completely from the site in order to prevent regrowth. Mulching them, however, creates an environmentally friendly barrier, which discourages regrowth. 

 

Forestry mulching is a thoughtful solution to dealing with invasive plants without using chemicals, disturbing the soil, or needing to haul away invasive materials.