Pull It!

Your help is needed to control an alien plant that impacts native species and even future forest growth. Garlic Mustard, characterized by its garlicky smell, especially when crushed, aggressively monopolizes light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space, outcompeting native plants. In turn, wildlife species that depend on plants for their foliage, pollen, nectar, fruits, seeds and roots, are deprived of these essential food sources when garlic mustard replaces them.

A single plant can produce thousands of seeds, which scatter as much as several meters from the parent plant.

Making matters worse, Garlic Mustard also emits nasty chemicals that inhibit the growth of mycorrihizzal fungi, a symbiotic fungi that supports the growth of young saplings. In turn, this may impact the growth of our forests in the coming years.

As with many invasive species, control requires a long-term commitment. This is because the seeds can remain viable in the soil for five years or more, according to the Alien Plant Network.

If your yard is only lightly infested, hand removal may be your best option. You will need to carefully try to remove the entire root system because new plants can sprout from root segments. Grasp low and firmly on the plant, and tug gently until the entire plant pulls out. Heavier infestations can be controlled by careful applicatin of Round Up or similiar herbicides. If you wish to use a more earth-friendly solution, visit http://www.planetnatural.com/. Unfortunately, no biological controls are yet available.

Some people chose to throw these noxious weeds on the ground after they pull them. That will not help control the infestation! Pulled plants could be composted, if there are no flowerheads. Otherwise, they should be placed in a paper bag and burned.