Backyard Forest Stewardship in Western Washington
Noxious and Invasive Weeds
Many non-native plants have spread into western Washington’s forests and natural areas. They become introduced in a variety of ways, including human activity, livestock, and birds or other native wildlife. Some non-native plants spread rapidly and are difficult to control. These invasive weeds threaten our ecosystems and wildlife by displacing native plants. Other noxious weeds may be toxic to wildlife or domestic animals and weeds such as Scotch broom and gorse pose a serious fire hazard. On slopes and along streams, invasive weeds can create soil erosion problems if they displace areas previously occupied by woody plants with more developed root systems.
Invasive versus noxious
Invasive weeds may or may not be on the noxious weed list, but are nevertheless a problem. In western Washington, some of the most common invasive weeds in forests include Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, English holly and Scotch broom. You can improve your property’s aesthetic values and ecological health by controlling noxious and invasive weeds. Here are some suggestions for success:
- Educate yourself on how to identify noxious and invasive weeds. Some websites with good weed photos and descriptions are listed below.
- Don’t buy invasive plants at nurseries. Most regulated noxious weeds cannot legally be sold at retail nurseries, but many nurseries carry highly invasive plants. Learn which are which and purchase accordingly. Garden Wise is an excellent guide to non-invasive plant choices for landscaping.
- Don’t dump potted plants in your forest. Many forests become invaded by landowners unintentionally introducing weedy plants in this way. Dispose of unwanted plant material in a compost pile or through your local yard waste disposal program. Invasive plants are best disposed through your local yard waste program since home composting may not get hot enough to destroy seeds and roots.
- Use integrated pest management techniques to control weeds. Hand pulling, mowing, and chemical application each have their place for managing weed populations. Consult your local Noxious Weed Control Board for specific recommendations for your area and weed of concern.
- Control small, isolated patches of weeds first. Early detection and control is critical to keep newly invaded areas from becoming a larger problem. It requires much less effort and time to eradicate a small infestation than a large one.
- Replant areas where weeds have been removed and monitor for reinvasion. Nature abhors a vacuum, and weeds will re-establish on cleared ground quickly, either from root sprouts or newly germinating seeds. Plant native ground covers and shrubs, and check regularly for resprouting weeds.
Learn more:
Weed Information and Identification from the King County Noxious Weed Program
Weed Information and Identification from the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board
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What is my responsibility?
In order to reduce the spread of harmful plants in Washington, state law requires landowners to control some noxious weeds, generally those that are not yet widespread in an area. The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board determines which plants are designated as noxious weeds and specifies regions where different species are required to be controlled.
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