5 Ways To Stop The Spread Of Invasive Species

When you have invasive species present on your property, it can be challenging to stop their growth, especially due to increased recreation and travel in the warmer seasons of the year. Because of the lack of natural competition and predators present, it can cause the species to quickly become invasive and take over the land. Fortunately, there are a few ways to stop the spread of the species and take more control of the problem to prevent issues from developing while working with qualified professionals on the land.

1. Learn How to Identify the Species

The first step you need to take to stop the spread of invasive species is learning how to identify them correctly to ensure you can take the necessary action. Visit the federal noxious weed database to have access to local invasive plant designations and discover techniques for proper identification.

If you aren't confident with your abilities or knowledge and don't have a lot of experience, consider contacting a professional to ensure they can provide you with the correct information. The type of species that is present differs based on where you live, making it necessary to consult the services of a professional in the local area. It can be easier to work with someone who is more familiar with the types of native plants that are present instead of attempting to recognize the species by browsing photos online.

2. Avoid Purchasing Exotic Plants Online

One of the most common mistakes that many people make is shopping around and buying exotic plants over the internet. Although they're known to be beautiful and can create a lush setting in your garden, they can also lead to extensive damage by destroying the natural ecosystems as they grow over time.

Whether you plan to purchase exotic plants or seeds on the internet or in-person at a local store, it's crucial to verify their origins in advance to avoid making a costly mistake. Stick to shopping at local nurseries that have been in business for several years and are more reputable than smaller unknown shops.

By visiting a trustworthy establishment near your home, you can have access to a well-versed expert at the nursery who can provide you with their insight and will ask you questions on what you need. They'll be qualified to provide you with a few of their recommendations to ensure you make an informed purchase and aren't at risk of causing any damage to the ecosystem that you care for throughout the year.

3. Don't Delay

Waiting too long to stop the spread of invasive species can cause the problem to become more extensive with each passing day. Act immediately once you spot any signs of an invasive species and contact a local professional when you need to obtain services like aquatic weed control.

Moving forward, you also need to have a professional regularly inspect your site every few months to ensure potential signs of invasive species is caught early on before the problem intensifies. You can save more with minor inspections and intercept the growth in the beginning stages instead of spending more to try and control the problem once it's harder to tackle.

When you hire a professional, you can obtain effective services and treatments that include using specific herbicides, hydro-raking, and mechanical harvesting.

4. Stick to Native Species

The native species you currently have can become damaged if you introduce exotic species as they both struggle to compete with one another. Stick to native species to protect and preserve the ecosystem. You'll also need to replant any of the affected ecosystems to slow the spread of any plants that you don't want to be present to avoid having to use treatments like aquatic weed control services.

5. Participate in Volunteer Work

If you want to become more educated about the methods to use to stop invasive species, consider volunteering at removal events in the local area with annual management events that are scheduled. Although invasive plant species are known to grow at a rapid speed, you can make a dent in the problem at a steady pace to gradually resolve the issue and learn how to have more control of it.

Some of the most common techniques used while volunteering include burning, cutting, and hand-pulling the invasive species. You also need to educate yourself on how they spread to prevent them from causing further destruction to the natural environments.

If you need additional help stopping the spread of invasive species, feel free to contact our experts at 941-479-7811, by emailing admin@crosscreekenv.com, or by filling out the Pricing Request Form.