 overwater grass, and mow the grass between 2.5 and 3 inches high. Overirrigating drowns the larvae, and allows grass to establish deeper roots. Allowing grass to grow  to pull up the grass. In locations where you can’t seem to win the battle with the crows, convert the grass to landscape beds with drought resistant plants.


 are irresistible to crows. They roll back grass to access the grubs, damaging turf.


Japanese Knotweed


  but the decision to use chemicals should not be taken lightly. Chemicals should be used as a last resort, and only  landscaper team can help with “syringe” or “cut and paint” methods, which will limit the amount of chemicals used.


Horsetail


Horsetail will take over an entire garden if left untended. Morning glory – pretty, but invasive. Ever heard of wild carrot? Also an invasive species. Horsetail can be eradicated by removing it by hand and adjusting the pH balance of the soil. In other areas, installing native plants that out-compete the invasives is most effective.


Horsetail will take over an entire garden if left untended.


More Delicate Environments


What is the best way to handle invasives in an environmentally critical area (ECA) or Native Growth Protection Easement (NGPE)? ECAs and NGPEs may include  to a water supply. They are usually managed by the city or county, so check on local regulations before making any changes to these areas. The decision-making process to remove invasive species in an ECA or NGPE must include


consideration for the surrounding ecosystem. For example, removing English ivy from a hillside above a creek would disturb the soil.


ECAs and NGPEs may include  habitat, and are often adjacent to a water supply.


The soil would erode and run off into the local watershed. The turbidity of the water would increase, removing oxygen  So, ultimately, removing the invasives would cause more harm than leaving them undisturbed.


Removing English ivy above a creek can cause run off and increase turbidity, thereby lowering oxygen needed by aquatic ecosystems.


What About Wildlife?


What about wildlife that is a nuisance? Defer to the experts. Partner with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Association policies pertaining to wildlife should discourage interaction with wildlife and encourage members to contact the Washington Department of Fish and Game when needed.


Policies should discourage interaction with wildlife.


Struggling with invasive species? Remember these points: 1. Use integrated pest management for invasive plants 2. Chemicals should be used only as a last resort 3. The use of chemicals should be approved by the board 4. Consider the local ecosystem and contact the city/county before working in ECAs or NGPEs


5. For wildlife, defer to the experts, including Washington Department of Fish and Game.


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