Tree health care professionals of Naples, Florida want their customers to know about invasive species and how to take the land back for native plants.
The Worst of Invasive Species in This Area of the State
Florida is known for the beauty of its plants, but there are some that cause more harm than good. Invasive plant species can grow rapidly and be destructive to the natural habitats that the state is famous for. Tree service companies are aware of these plants and work with local government and gardening groups to help control and eliminate these destructive alien species. The paragraphs below will educate the home gardener and landscaper about plants and trees that they should avoid when planning an ornamental garden area.
What Makes a Plant Species Invasive?
Just because a plant was brought in from another part of the world doesn’t mean that it is invasive. Some plants either stay where they are cultivated or integrate nicely into the new environment, making them naturalized plants. Invasive plants and trees, however, escape cultivation and can potentially cause harm.
A plant species is considered invasive when they can:
- Harm Biodiversity: Invasive species can steal nutrients and block sunlight from other plant species. This can kill off native plants which will disrupt the ecosystem, including the food web.
- Harm Animals: Herbivores and insects are especially vulnerable. Some invasive plants may not be good for consumption and can hurt grazing animals. Some bugs need specific plant types for their offspring and if those plants die out, so do the insects.
- Harm Humans: Most people have experienced a negative encounter with a plant, whether an interaction with a thorny vine or something like poison ivy. Some invasive species can be physically harmful, but others can be economically harmful by invading crops.
A List of Invasive Species
Though every area in the world is now dealing with invasive species, ecologists and botanists are working to repair the damage that has come from a global shipping economy. Many plants were brought in on purpose for decorative planting, some arrived attached to shipments of other things, but either way, they are now an issue.
The major plants and trees affecting this area are listed below.
- Brazilian Pepper
- Melaleuca
- Australian Pine
- Old World Climbing Fern
- Mexican Petunia
- Peruvian Primrose Willow
Many of these are fast-growing, vine-like plants that can smother other ground cover. This can be detrimental to the soil and to biodiversity, as previously mentioned.
What Homeowners Can Do
There are ways that individual homeowners can help reduce the invasive species. If they suspect that they have such a plant or tree in their yard, they should contact a tree service company with a certified arborist. These invasive plants can sometimes be difficult to remove and may need special methods or attention. The arborist may need to perform a tree risk assessment before anything can happen.
Preventing tree disease and overall tree health are the most important aspects of the job. They can also assist with choosing native plants for landscaping, helping prevent more invasive species growth.
About Any Town Tree
Whether you need tree pruning, tree trimming or tree removal, Any Town Tree is here to help. We serve Naples, FL and the surrounding areas. Call today for an estimate.