Triple Threat Invasive Species

If we use the literal meaning of the words in the term, ‘Triple Threat’, we could easily use this term to describe the destructive impact that invasive plant species have on our ecosystems. Invasive plant species threaten our natural ecosystems by:

1.     Reducing biodiversity & altering habitats

2.     Competing with native species for limited resources

3.     Creating large-scale economic repercussions and fundamental disruptions of coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems

And you might be surprised to learn that many of these negative ‘Triple Threats’ get their start in our own yards! Americans have shown a long-held preference for ornamental plants from Europe and Asia – and now many of them have escaped our yards to invade our natural areas.

One of the primary reasons invasive species are able to thrive, spread rapidly, and out-compete native species is that the environmental checks and predators that control these species in their natural settings do not exist in the ecosystems and habitats where they have been introduced.

Three very common landscape species that are currently invading our natural ecosystems are: Callery Pear(Bradford Pear) trees, Japanese Barberry (these shrubs are available in a variety of colors in garden centers) and Burning Bush (large shrubs with bright red autumn color). The most troubling thing about these particular species is that they are still being widely planted!  We firmly believe that most people would not purchase these plants if they realized these species are creating environmental and economic problems.  For that reason, we have secured some extra-special native shrubs and trees that we can provide to homeowners that remove an invasive species from their landscape. 

Not sure if you have any of these in your yard? Check out the photos below to help you determine if you have Callery Pear, Barberry or Burning Bush in your yard.

To earn one of our extra-special native plants, please email Lynn at [email protected] with a photo of the plant you removed or a brief summary of the task you completed.