Customers are opting more and more to use native plants in their landscaping, however, invasive plants and insects have continued to be a menace to local ecosystems. Invasive plants and insects are estimated to cost the USA 40 billion in crop damage, ecosystem, and spread control. Landscapers play an important role in the control of invasive species. Today we will discuss how to prevent the spread of invasive species in landscaping. Do your part in preserving the northeast’s native ecosystems.
How to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species in Landscaping
- Be aware of the current list of invasive native species. One of the biggest threats in the northeast right now is the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. You can view a list of other invasive species here. There are also several courses you can take on the identification of these plants and animal through the DEEP.
- If you are working in an area that is known to have invasive plant species growing, clean your shoes before leaving the area to prevent seeds and pathogens from spreading.
- Report any sightings of invasive species to The US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Encourage clients to purchase native plants for their landscaping. This will prevent invasive species from hitching a ride to their yard on any exotic plants that they want in their yard.
- Don’t take any firewood you have cut from fallen trees across state borders.
- Be a volunteer at local removal efforts.
Valley Green was founded by Charles Dooley in 1990. Headquartered in Holyoke, Massachusetts, we have grown to eight branch locations supported by inside & outside sales associates specializing in turf seed, sod production, golf sales, turf maintenance, nursery production, agriculture and arboriculture. The average green industry tenure at Valley Green is well over 20 years per associate!
642 S. Summer Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone 413.533.0726
Toll Free 800.862.0089
Fax 413.533.0792
Wholesale Fax 413.533.4090
