How to Keep Exotic Plants Out

Overview

The word "exotic" might connote something good, exciting and desirable. But in the plant world, it means "invasive," "alien" and "foreign." Invasive species have become a problem everywhere because it's easy for plants and people to quickly travel to the other side of the world. If you do a little research, you can learn what plants are classified invasive in your state or county. Keeping them out of your yard helps to slow their spread and takeover of native environments.

Keeping Exotic Plants Out of Your Yard

Step 1

Learn which plants in your yard are native to your area and which have been accidentally introduced. Not all exotic plants are bad for the natural environment, but many can choke out areas where native plants grow and decimate their chances of survival. Books and websites are available that can help you in this effort.

Step 2

Spread mulch in your garden bed areas to discourage weeds, which is what many exotics are considered. Compost, leaf mulch, wood chips, sawdust and other natural materials are efficient mulches---you can also use landscape fabric, black plastic, cardboard and even wooden boards that you lay on the ground around your plants.

Step 3

Keep known exotics cut back so they don't form flowers and seeds if you cannot remove the entire plant. If an exotic plant is small enough to dig out, use a shovel and make sure to remove the entire root system.

Step 4

Cut down large exotics such as invasive trees with a chain saw. If you spread black plastic over the trunk, some trees will eventually die. You can also "girdle" some trees with a chain or other sturdy material by surrounding the lower trunk with it---the tree will eventually die.

Step 5

Repeat your eradication efforts when you begin to see signs of exotic plants returning.