The Property Care Association (PCA) has said that those with green thumbs in Worcestershire can play a key role in protecting their gardens and properties from the damage caused by Invasive Non-Native Plants (INNPs).
These harmful plants can take over gardens, damage driveways, and spread to neighbouring properties.
The PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group offers advice to homeowners, as well as establishing standards for surveyors who work with construction, landscaping, and property professionals.
Technical manager of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group, Daniel Docking, said: “While experienced gardeners have a keen eye for plant species, there are many plant families, such as gunnera, rhododendron and bamboo, that have ornamental and invasive varieties which can be confusing.
“As part of a recent government consultation, we’ve called for better plant labelling to help householders understand what they are buying and for nurseries and suppliers to adopt Biosecurity Management Plans to help ensure businesses are working to reduce the risk of invasive plants spreading through horticultural pathways.”
The PCA has highlighted three steps that gardeners can take to curb the spread of INNPs.
Firstly, know your nursery.
Gardeners should talk to their local nursery or garden centre about their labelling systems and inquire about any steps they take to highlight invasive species.
Secondly, seek support.
Gardeners who spot an invader are often the first line of defence in ensuring the issue is dealt with quickly and effectively.
Lastly, watch your waste.
Small fragments of INNPs, any seeds, or rhizomes left in the soil can cause invasive species to reappear.
Alongside campaigning for better biosecurity and labelling to aid consumers, the PCA is calling on the Government to create incentives for low environmental impact remediation methods that avoid landfill and help prevent the environmental and economic harms caused by the spread of INNPs.
Sarah Garry, PCA chief executive, said: “We believe there are solutions that combine environmental ambition with real-world deliverability and we’re asking the Government to consider creating incentives to promote innovation and investment in research and development.”
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