In recent years, people have become more aware of the dangers to local plant and animal species from invasive species. These species of animals, insects, plants, and even trees have been introduced to local areas and, for a variety of reasons, can pose a threat to local species as well as people and property. But what is an invasive species? How can invasive species threaten local wildlife, flora, and even people? And what can you, as a local homeowner, do to help out our local species in the face of this threat?
What is an Invasive Species?
An invasive species is any species of plant or animal that is introduced from one area to another — typically from far enough away that they would never have made their way to the new area without the “help” of humans. Generally, when you hear about invasive species, these new species, be they bug or tree, are causing some kind of harm to the local ecosystem. Invasive species can be introduced intentionally or unintentionally — insects that catch a ride in crates transported from one continent to another can become invasive species in the new area, but new trees, planted intentionally for their hardiness or beauty can also spread into forests and become invasive species.
What Harm Can They Cause to Local Trees?
It’s possible for invasive species to have a truly catastrophic impact on local species. In the western US, infestations of invasive bark beetles caused many pine trees to die. When forest fire season next came about, the fires burned hotter and longer because the high number of trees that had been killed by the bark beetles provided a much greater than usual amount of fuel for the fires. Across the US south, kudzu vines, originally intentionally imported from Asia, have killed off many native, local plants, smothering them and removing their access to sunlight. These vines also damage structures with their weight, and their extensive root structures have made them very hard to remove. And here in Ohio, the Callery pear tree, originally imported for use in yards due to their hardiness and lovely spring blooms, have spread into forests, blocking the sunlight needed for other types of trees to grow and thrive, allowing the Callery pear to take over at the expense of other, native species.
What Do You Need to Do to Combat the Danger?
There are two main ways that an average homeowner can help to support their local ecosystem in the battle against invasive species. First, be conscious of what you plant in your yard or garden. Choose species that are native to your area. Not only will this contribute to the balanced well-being of the flora in the area, but they are likely to be plants or trees that thrive in your local area, because they evolved to exist in exactly those conditions!
Second, have your trees inspected regularly (at least once per year) by an experienced tree service company or arborist. We are the first line of defense against invasive insect species that target local trees. Your local tree service professionals will be up-to-date on any dangerous invasive pests in your area, and they’ll be able to keep an eye out for early signs of infestation, and may even be able to treat your trees BEFORE an infestation occurs to help protect them. If any of your trees do fall victim to an invasive pest, early treatment is the best chance of survival for your tree, and if it doesn’t survive, early removal is the best opportunity to prevent the spread of the devastation.
Here in Cincinnati, you can call us here at Tree Images. We have decades of experience protecting local trees from invasive plant and insect species. We know what to watch out for, and what to do if we see signs of a problem. Give us a call at 513.528.4167 (or use our online contact form) to find out how we can help protect your trees.
