Invasive Plant Control & Removal
Stubborn and fast-growing invasive plants can disrupt your landscape’s health, but don’t worry – AKA Tree Service is here! Our expert team makes invasive plant management simple for you. Our comprehensive approach includes identification of the invasive species, removal, and exclusion. That means that we don’t just get rid of the invasive plants – we also help make sure they don’t return.
If you’re ready for invasive plant control that really works, AKA is ready to help. Call us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.
Invasive Plants Found in the Southeast U.S.
Identifying and removing common invasive plants quickly can help preserve the health of your landscape.
Some common invasive plants in Athens GA, Atlanta GA, and Nashville TN include:
- Kudzu (Pueraria montana): Known as “the vine that ate the South,” kudzu is a rapidly spreading plant that covers and smothers native vegetation. Its aggressive growth quickly disrupts entire ecosystems.
- Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica): Cogongrass forms dense stands, out-competing native plants and increasing the risk of wildfires. This makes it especially concerning as our summers continue to become hotter and dryer.
- Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica): While its flowers are enjoyably fragrant, don’t be fooled: Japanese honeysuckle is invasive and can quickly blanket trees and shrubs, suppressing native vegetation. This aggressive vine poses a threat to forest ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.
- Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense): Chinese privet is a fast-growing shrub that forms dense thickets, displacing native plants. It can be especially harmful in areas near lakes and rivers, harming water quality and disrupting life for native aquatic flora and fauna.
- Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera): Recognized by its heart-shaped leaves, air potato is a vine that climbs and covers native vegetation. It gets its name because the plant is known to form tubers, which can resprout and redouble its invasive spread.
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Invasive Plant FAQs
Why are invasive plants a problem?
Invasive plants disrupt native plants, reducing biodiversity over time. This may not seem like a big deal but it is – our ecosystems are fragile and require diversity to thrive. Here are the main ways that invasive plants cause problems in the Southeast U.S.:
- Displacement of Native Plants: Invasive species lack natural predators or competition, which allows them to grow unchecked and outcompete native plants. This can kill native plants, or leave them vulnerable to pests and diseases.
- Impact on Pollinators and Wildlife: Native plants support local flora and fauna by providing vital nutrients, shelter, and resources. Invasive species aren’t adapted in the same ways.
- Soil Degradation and Water Flow Alteration: Invasive plants change nutrient cycles and soil structure with their root systems. This can lead to disruption of water and nutrient movement, increased runoff, and even erosion.
How do you stop invasive plants from spreading?
Professional invasive plant control is the best way to prevent the spread of these plants. But there are a few things you can do around your property to reduce the risk of invasives:
- Clean outdoor gear
- Boot brush stations
- Groom your pets after they’ve been outside
- Plant native plants
- Learn how to identify and remove small patches
- Mulch, mulch, mulch
How Do You Naturally Eliminate Invasive Plants?
Eliminating invasive species without harming native plants can be challenging. It can be done, but it requires a plan and a lot of perseverance since they often spring back quickly. AKA Tree Service recommends seeking professional assistance for an environmentally conscious plan.
Invasive Plant Removal for Homes & Businesses
Suspect invasive plants on your property? AKA Tree Service’s ISA-certified arborists are ready to identify species and design personalized elimination plans. Our arborists have extensive experience in handling invasive plant species in Athens GA, Atlanta GA, and Nashville TN.
Invasive species wreak havoc on the local landscapes and ecosystems. But our knowledgeable team employs best practices to eliminate invasive species, nurturing native plants’ health and longevity. We serve properties of all sizes, from households to municipalities. So if invasives are becoming a problem for you, let us be your solution.
Invasive Plant Management in Central GA
Also Serving Nashville TN