Austin invasives

Despite being on the invasive list, there are no legal ramifications to planting or selling invasives, and they are often sold locally. Although many of my fellow gardeners are aware of the most commonly seen invasive plants in the Austin area, many other local gardeners are uninformed of the problem.

Planted 18 years ago, the collection of mostly native species growing along the street in front of my house includes Texas redbud, Texas mountain laurel, Texas sage and Mexican plum and they look like they have been there forever.

I suggested he ask for native plants at the nursery, but several weeks later, a row of ligustrum showed up in his garden! The house was eventually sold and the new owner pulled out the ligustrum and planted bamboo; at least it is the non-running kind. Golden Running Bamboo The lot on the other side of my house has had golden running bamboo on the far side for probably about 60 years.

It is now encroaching on our lot. The extension phone desk periodically receives calls about this invasive. Typically the bamboo has come from the lot next door and the caller wants to know if the city or county will help with removal. I am not aware of any available government assistance, but there are local landscapers who can help dig out or cut back excessive growth. Cedar Even though cedar is a common complaint, due to its prevalence and the allergic reaction it provokes, cedar is not designated as an invasive species.

These undesirable species have significant negative impacts including but not limited to:. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions. In , volunteers were trained on invasive plant species identification and monitoring. Data that the volunteers collected was used to develop a base map of where invasive plant species are located on City property and that information shapes management decisions.

Community groups can join the Adopt-a-Creek or Adopt-a-Park programs. Both of those programs provide weed wrenches for volunteers to use once a restoration plan has been approved. Austin Invasive Plants Management. These undesirable species have significant negative impacts including but not limited to: Reduction of native biodiversity; Interference with ecosystem functions like fire, nutrient flow and flooding; Reduction of the value of streams, lakes and reservoirs, for recreation, wildlife and public water supply; Reduction of the recreational value of natural areas, parks and other areas.