Emma Auer:
Some people call invasive plants the bane of their existence. They may be pleased by new legislation in Athens-Clarke County that requires property owners to control the spread of non-native vegetation. WUGA's Emma Auer traveled around the county gathering more details.
It's the first day of summer, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is in full bloom. Pots of mint emit their fragrance, tomatoes ripen on the vine, and colorful flowers grow towards the sun. But Jason Young, the director of horticulture at the Gardens, points out a much more humble plant, a type of native grass.
Jason Young:
Under this understory, we have grasses like Chasmanthium latifolium, which is river oats grass. It has really broad leaf grass-like blades. It is both a wonderful plant because it is very aggressive and can take over a large area quickly. Sometimes, these aggressive plants are what we need to outcompete others that are non-native and invasive.
Emma Auer:
It turns out the horticulturists at the Botanical Gardens spend quite a bit of their time battling invasive plants.
Jason Young:
It is very much a part of what we do. It depends on the location, the size of the plant, and the life stage of the plant.
Emma Auer:
The horticulturists at the Botanical Gardens are not the only ones grappling with invasive plants, however. In fact, Athens-Clarke County residents may need to start taking a more hands-on approach to the invasive flora on their properties. In early June, the County Commission passed an ordinance related to invasive plants. District 8 Commissioner Carol Myers explains that the ordinance does several things.
Carol Myers:
Initially, there wasn't any definition of invasive species in our codes, so first, we had to put that in there.
Emma Auer:
The definition comes from the Georgia Invasive Species Council.
Carol Myers:
An invasive plant means a plant species that's not native to our specific geographic area, was introduced by humans, intentionally or unintentionally, and does or can cause environmental or economic harm to the environment or to humans.
Emma Auer:
Myers is quick to point out that it's not illegal to own an invasive plant.
Carol Myers:
What's important here is to realize that people have responsibilities because of these invasives, and it really has to do with how they're spreading into other people's property. You really have a responsibility now to contain the invasives on your property and not let them go onto another person's property.
Emma Auer:
There's no denying that some non-native, easily spreading plants are aesthetically pleasing. Take the mimosa tree, for example. Locals might recognize their fluffy, fragrant pink flowers that bloom in late spring. Though mimosa trees may seem as Georgian as a pecan tree, they're actually invasive. Laura Ney is Athens-Clarke County's agent at the University of Georgia Extension.
Laura Ney:
The mimosa tree, as far as I know, was brought over like a lot of our invasive plants were brought over, on purpose. I've seen reports that it was brought over as early as the 1700s.
Emma Auer:
She says that while mimosa trees may provide some benefits like pollen to pollinators, they also have drawbacks.
Laura Ney:
The problem is the tree itself is not providing a lot of other ecological services that other trees and shrubs would provide. They aren't food for larvae or the other life stages of our pollinators or other insects that are really important that aren't pollinators.
Emma Auer:
Still, Carol Myers says that mimosa trees are not necessarily in danger of removal because of the county's new regulations.
Carol Myers:
We're not going to have a brigade going out and cutting down or looking for these to report them. These are not anything that one has to worry about as a person who has them on their property.
Emma Auer:
But we may be seeing fewer of these trees planted on purpose, says Commissioner Myers.
Carol Myers:
One of the things that we will do with this invasive plant list that comes from the Georgia Invasive Species Council is make sure that the list of OK trees for developers to plant does not include any of these species.
Emma Auer:
For the average Athenian property owner, however, replacing invasive species with native ones may be on the agenda. Laura Ney says there are plenty of resources to meet this goal.
Laura Ney:
You're welcome to call your extension office if you ever need to replace an invasive plant.
Emma Auer:
Though it depends on the conditions unique to each yard, she recommends the native redbud as a beautiful alternative to mimosa trees. Back at the Botanical Garden, Jason Young says there are many benefits to creating a landscape with native plants.
Jason Young:
Native species are terrific because you get to experience more than just the plants. You get to experience the insects that interact with those plants. If you put in a milkweed, you get to see monarchs eating the leaves and going through their full life cycle. Planting those plants and supporting the environment as a whole is a wonderful way to have a little mini ecosystem in your own yard.
Emma Auer:
For WUGA News, I'm Emma Auer.
You've been listening to Athens News Matters from WUGA News. The opinions expressed on this broadcast do not necessarily reflect those of WUGA or the University of Georgia. This week's show was produced by Emma Auer, and our digital producer is Wendy Barrios. As always, thanks for listening. Stay with WUGA throughout the week for the latest in-depth local news.
