Protecting Woodlands Against Invasive Plant Species

Driving across our state we’ve all seen places where invasive species have overwhelmed our woodlands. In the upstate, kudzu or English ivy are most likely the culprits. In some Midlands forests, trees are completely engulfed by Asian wisteria – still sold and planted to this very day. One of the recent workshops offered by Clemson Extension at its Women Owning Woodlands events was options on controlling these plants that diminish the financial value of timberland and severely impact the environmental value of these tracts of land. Some of the options discussed were mechanical, using grazing animals to control these unwanted plants, especially on slopes or near water sources, and straight talk on the use of herbicides. If you search Southern Forest Health glyphosate David Coyle, you can find a reasonable article discussing this topic.