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Invasive Plant Guide

What are invasive plants?

Invasive plants are not native to our location. Lacking the natural controls from their native habitats, they overwhelm our native plants’ light, water, space and nutrients, thus decreasing the invertebrate, bird, and microbial life that depend on our native plants. Invasives also degrade recreational experiences (whether walking, birding, or hunting), damage agriculture and human health, affect forest regeneration and water quality.

How to control invasive plants

At HIPP, we start with non-chemical methods to control invasives: pulling, digging or mowing. But, sometimes, cautiously using herbicides is less disturbing to the environment than other possible control methods. Or, the plant infestation is too large or dense to realistically remove mechanically. If chemicals are needed, we carefully follow the advice given for each invasive.

What to consider:

Using chemicals that are mixed too strongly can damage the visible leaves while never seeping into the root structure to kill the plant. Also, using chemicals at the wrong time of the season will not succeed, potentially requiring overuse. No chemicals are allowed within 25’ of water in Harpswell.

Please read Harpswell’s pesticide ordinance using this link before considering the use of herbicides: Pesticide Ordinance

Chemical names:

Glyphosate is sold as Round-up or other brands.
Triclopyr is sold as Garlon or other brands.
The labels tell the % of the chemical. If necessary, dilute with water to match the advised strength.

The Harpswell Invasive Plant Partnership has decided to focus on plants deemed invasive by the Maine Natural Areas Program. For some of these plants, the group has created fact sheets to aid in identification and control and compiled them into a steward’s guide, which they have published. You are welcome to download individual fact sheets by clicking on the links below.

You can request a copy of ‘A Steward’s Guide’ by emailing [email protected]. We would appreciate a donation of $12 for each copy requested.

Get Guidance

HIPP-Help

Invasive plants are a problem in Harpswell. They reduce our critical native plants, pollinators, butterflies and birds. They disrupt agriculture. They can harm human health.

HIPP-help plant experts can help you identify invasive plants on your property and suggest control methods and strategies.

This service is free of charge; however, HIPP appreciates contributions to support its work. To donate, send a check to Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, PO Box 359, Harpswell, ME 04079. Please put HIPP in the memo line. You can also donate online by clicking here.

Email [email protected] to request a HIPP-help volunteer.

And more

Other Resources

There are many good resources on identifying and controlling invasive plants, as well as on planting natives in their place. Here are some of our favorite websites on invasive plants:

Maine Natural Areas Program Invasive Plants Photo Gallery

Michigan State University’s Best Control Practice Guide to Invasive Plants

For lists of native Maine plants to consider for your property, check out: