Did you know that 60% of all invasive plants in the US have horticultural origins? The most effective way to prevent invasive species from spreading on your property is selecting the proper seeds, seedlings, and saplings to plant. Nurseries and greenhouses are notorious for selling invasive species even though many of them are classified as noxious weeds or even illegal.
The first step to selecting native and healthy plants is selecting a nursery or greenhouse with ethical practices. Here is a list of reputable nurseries across the state of Vermont that offer native trees and shrubs that you can feel safe purchasing:
· Intervale Conservation Nursery, Burlington
· Champlain Valley Native Plant Restoration Nursery, Poultney (need to order seeds by April 18th)
· Vermont Wetland Plant Supply, Orwell
· Miller Hill Farm, Sudbury
· Map of Vermont Greenworks Members: https://vnlavt.org/membership/member-map/
If you are planning to purchase seeds such as wildflower mixes, make sure to speak directly to someone at the nursery to check about the exact mix and every single seed that will be included in the mix. Oftentimes basic wildflower mixes are full of weeds and even invasive seeds so they are not safe to plant and could create systemic problems in your garden and property. When you are at the nursery (or calling to order), ask the associate what their invasive species and pest management practices are. If the associate has no idea, this is a red flag. You could ask to speak to the owner or manager OR shop elsewhere. All staff in nurseries should be educated about invasive plants and dangerous pests.
In addition to selling invasive trees, plants, and shrubs, many nurseries also sell saplings that are diseased or infested with pests. Here is a list of things to look out for:
· Check the soil, stems, and everywhere—leave no leaf unturned.
· ROOTS: Seek larger root systems; inspect roots - remove container if possible; avoid
deformed and circling roots; soil should be firm & moist; locate main order roots.
· TRUNK: Trunk should be centered on root ball; trunk and root ball should move together; examine under wraps for mechanical wounds and pests.
· BRANCHES: Branches should be balanced around the trunk with 2-4 inches of new growth that
is flexible with healthy, living buds. Branches should make up 60% of live crown ratio.
· LEAVES: No spots, blights or wilting visible; reject bare root trees that have leafed out.
· FORM: Look for single, straight leader; avoid lollipop shaped trees.
Don’t be afraid to ask an associate or nursery manager to examine the plants and/or saplings with you so that you can ask questions during the process. If you see many with signs of disease or pests, you may want to shop elsewhere. Individuals can have significant impact on the spread of invasives, pests, and diseases in Vermont. Not only will you enjoy a much healthier property, but you will also be helping the entire state to fight invasive spread!
For the list of Vermont noxious weeds visit: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/sites/agriculture/files/documents/PHARM/Plant_Pest/NoxiousWeedsQuarantine1.pdf
Written by Rachel Batz, Town of Dorset Outdoor Recreation Director, hikedorset@gmail.com