Every year, National Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 24-28th, reminds us of the hidden threats invasive plants pose to our environment.
While some plants may seem beautiful or harmless, they can actually damage ecosystems, threaten native species, and even cost billions of dollars in control efforts.
Understanding why invasive plants are a problem and what we can do to help is the first step in protecting our landscapes for future generations.
Here are some easy, at-home steps you can take to help combat the problem our ecosystem is facing!
- Why Are Invasive Plants & Why Are They A Problem?
- Key Issues
- What Can You Do At Home?
- Helping On A National Level
- What Nature Hills Nursery Is Doing To Help
- Take Action Today!
Why Are Invasive Plants & Why Are They A Problem?
Invasive plants are non-native species that typically spread aggressively, often overwhelming local ecosystems due to there being no natural checks and balances in the area they’ve been brought to. Unlike native plants, which have natural predators and competitors, invasive species grow unchecked, allowing them to take over forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even our own backyards.
Too often this has been because of how easy they are to grow, a plant’s enticing large blooms, and showy foliage - making them all too innocently used in the garden industry as the next big thing for our landscapes. But they quickly become a problem.
Some of the biggest problems caused by invasive plants include:
- Harming Native Plants and Wildlife – Invasive plants outcompete native plants for sunlight, nutrients, and water. When native plants disappear, so do the insects and animals that rely on them for food and shelter.
- Changing Habitats – Many invasive species alter soil chemistry, increase erosion, or dry out wetlands, permanently damaging the environment.
- Costing Billions – Managing invasive species in the U.S. costs over $120 billion per year in removal efforts, agricultural losses, and ecological damage.
- Spreading Easily – Many invasive plants spread quickly by seed, roots, or even tiny plant fragments, making them incredibly hard to control.
Some of the worst invasive plants include Kudzu, Japanese Knotweed, Garlic Mustard, Purple Loosestrife, and English Ivy. Many of these were originally introduced as ornamental plants but quickly spread beyond gardens into natural areas.
What Can You Do In Your Backyard?
Supporting your local ecosystem can start as large or as small as you are able!
- Choose Native Plants – When planting your garden, select native plants instead of potentially invasive species. Native plants support local pollinators, require less maintenance, and help restore natural ecosystems.
- Remove Invasive Species – If you already have invasive plants in your yard, work to remove them. Some plants, like English Ivy and Japanese Honeysuckle, can be pulled by hand, while others, like Kudzu and Bamboo, may require professional help.
- Dispose of Plants Properly – Never toss invasive plant material into compost piles or natural areas, as they can regrow. Instead, bag and dispose of them in the trash or burn them (if allowed in your area).
- Avoid Spreading Seeds – Be mindful when hiking or gardening! Many invasive plants spread through tiny seeds that stick to shoes, clothes, and pets. Clean your gear before leaving a trail or planting new species.
- Volunteer for Local Removal Efforts – Many communities organize invasive plant removal days where volunteers can help clear out invasive species from parks, forests, and wetlands.
Find a large list of native plants for your region by searching for your State on our website!
Helping On A National Level
Protecting our environment from invasive species goes beyond our own backyards. On a larger scale, advocating for stronger policies and spreading awareness can help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful plants.
Supporting laws that regulate the sale and distribution of invasive species is crucial, as many states still allow certain harmful plants to be sold in garden centers. Educating others is just as important—sharing information with friends, neighbors, and community groups can help people recognize and avoid planting invasive species.
Before purchasing new plants, always check local invasive species lists to ensure you’re making an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, reporting invasive species when you see them in your community can make a significant difference in early detection and management efforts.
Many states have invasive species programs where you can submit sightings to help conservationists track and control their spread. By staying informed and taking action, we can all play a part in protecting our natural landscapes from invasive plants!
What Nature Hills Nursery Is Doing To Help
At Nature Hills Nursery, we are committed to responsible gardening and conservation. One of the biggest challenges in controlling invasive species is preventing their introduction and spread, which is why we partner with Plant Sentry™, an advanced system designed to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding invasive species.
Plant Sentry™ works to prevent the sale and shipment of plants that are restricted or classified as invasive in certain regions. This means when you order from Nature Hills, you can trust that you’re receiving safe, non-invasive plants that won’t harm local ecosystems. Our system automatically blocks the shipment of restricted plants to states where they are considered invasive, helping to protect native habitats, farmlands, and gardens from the unintended spread of harmful species.
By choosing to buy from responsible nurseries like Nature Hills, gardeners can help reduce the introduction of invasive species into new environments. Along with our efforts to educate customers about native and non-invasive alternatives, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable landscaping practices that benefit both home gardeners and the environment.
As we celebrate National Invasive Species Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to be mindful of their plant choices, support native species, and help stop the spread of invasives. With Plant Sentry™ and informed gardeners working together, we can all make a difference in protecting our landscapes for future generations.
Take Action Today!
Invasive plants threaten the health of our environment, native wildlife, and even our economy. This National Invasive Species Awareness Week, commit to learning, educating, and taking action to protect our natural spaces.
Whether you’re removing an invasive vine from your yard, supporting native plants, or joining a local cleanup event, every small step makes a difference. Let’s work together to stop the spread and protect the beauty of our landscapes for generations to come!
Want to learn more? Visit the National Park Service and check out your local County Extension Office for invasive species lists, removal tips, and ways to get involved in your community.
Happy Planting!
