The Dangers of Non-Native Plants

Every area of the world has its own ecosystem that is delicately balanced with the plants and trees that grow within it. Unfortunately, when an alien species is introduced to this habitat, it can disrupt everything.

Some plants, when introduced to a new location, will grow so rapidly that they block all other plant growth. These are called monocultures, where an area is completely covered with just one species instead of a variety. This is bad for the environment, for a variety of reasons.

How Invasive Plants Ruin Ecosystems

Native plants tend to have well established root systems that reach deep into the soil. However, when an invasive species takes over an area, they grow rapidly and have shallow roots. This means when there is a storm or flood, the roots give up easier and the area is more likely to be eroded. It’s necessary to have that variety of root types.

As these alien plants spread rapidly, they block out the natural native plants and take over. For example, Japanese knotweed often populated areas near streams and prevent trees from growing in the same area. This results in more erosion and prevents trees from shading the stream. The water temperature rises and this causes the stream to become turbid. Over a short period of time, the quality of the water drops.

Disruption of Fish and Wildlife

Plant habitats have a very specific role to play in the ecosystem and when this is disrupted, it affects everything that lives there. Native plants provide food and shelter to insects and wildlife that thrive in the area, so when a non-native plant takes over, the local plants die off.

If a butterfly needs a certain type of plant to survive and alien plants take over, preventing it from growing, that butterfly can become endangered. Likewise, animals that find shelter in specific plants and trees will be displaced. It can disrupt far more of the ecosystem than many people realise.

Types of Non-Native Invasive Plants in the UK

There are several types of plants that have been introduced to the UK and these are often problematic. There is a law against spreading these plants outside of your own property, so care must be taken when you remove soil or plants from your home.

The most common invasive plants that come from another area include:

-          Japanese knotweed

-          Giant hogweed

-          Rhododendron ponticum

-          New Zealand pygmy weed

-          Himalayan balsam

If you have any of these plants on your property and wish to properly eliminate them, you should contact Gaia Environmental to have them removed properly. This is essential as there are specific regulations to follow for proper disposal.

Gaia Environmental has the experience necessary to prevent spreading these plants further. Contact us today to book an appointment.