Over the years a number of invasive plants have made their way into Tennessee. Privet (Ligustrum sinensis) a common one. Originally privet is native to Asia but has run rampant in the Southern United States.
About Privet
Privet has several characteristics that actually might make it desirable. It’s evergreen and can provide a great privacy screen. Privet is tolerant of all kinds of soil types and drought. The flowers also produce a nice fragrance when in bloom.
Unfortunately those positive traits also can be negative when combined with its invasive nature. Privet reproduces prolifically. The fragrant flowers produce tons of berries which the birds spread all over. Those berries and grow new plants which hastens it’s spread significantly.
Why Invasive Plants are Bad News
The problem with plants like privet, Bradford pear, Tree of Heaven, or similar invasive trees is that they crowd out the area for native plants to grow. Native plants develop within the ecosystem over a long period of time. Animals, birds, and insects use the native plants for their food sources, shelters, and development too. As the native trees and shrubs are displaced by the invasive types there are fewer resources for native animals and insects to use.
Removing Privet
Once privet takes hold it’s hard to defeat. Goats enjoy eating it, you can use herbicides, or you can cut it down and keep it maintained. If you clear cut privet you may need to treat the stumps with a strong herbicide to prevent regrowth.
If you have privet remove as much of it as possible before it displaces plants that are more valuable for our native wildlife. I don’t believe privet will ever be eliminated but if you have the ability to remove it when possible please do.
Or view this video on Chinese Privet on YouTube
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