Becoming Invasive Free

Julie Berbiglia visits Warner Parks in Nashville where invasive plants are being chopped down, wrenched up, and tugged out to become Invasive Free by 2027.

Gardener Extras

Most Invasive Plants at Warner Parks: LONICERA japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) Note: According to Steve Manning, Pres IPC Inc, the biggest problem in Warner Parks is LONICERA maackii or Amur honeysuckle (Bush honeysuckle) Euonymus Chinese privet Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven)
EUONYMUS alatus (burning bush) is recognized as an invasive species in 21 states.
Tree of heaven wipes out native species with its dense thicket and toxins it excretes into the soil. It also emits a bad smell from its flowers, has no natural predators, and serves as a sanctuary for destructive invasive insects.
Nashville Community Tool Share program offers a wide variety of tools for lending, including the weed wrench. nashville.gov/departments/water/community-beautification/reserve-tool

Gardener Notes

#InvasiveFreeWP warnerparks.org/support/invasivefreewp nashville.gov/departments/water/community-beautification/reserve-tool

Julie Berbiglia

Julie is Metro Water Services’ Education Specialist. She is happiest when mucking about in the soil. She revels in community gardening projects, frugal gardening practices, organic growing methods, and clever solutions to landscape challenges