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
Here’s What Rooted Today
Rooted Cuttings – Potted up Perhaps I should have titled this post “Here’s What I Potted Up Today” but rooting is more exciting don’t you think? Anyway this morning I potted several different kinds of cuttings that I’ve been propagating inside the house. This isn’t…
The Stalwart River Birch (Betula nigra)
Some plants are determined. Something in their genetic make-up decided long ago that nothing would get them down and nothing ever does. Take this river birch (Betula nigra) for instance. I received it from the Arbor Day Foundation but this isn’t one of the 10…
TGT: Saving Seeds and Cuttings
Saving seeds and cuttings in the fall is one additional way you can save a few bucks for the next gardening season. In the fall, plants produce their final batch of seeds and the thrifty gardener can take advantage of this! Seeds in general aren’t…
Nashville Lawn and Garden Show
The Nashville Lawn and Garden Show is coming up soon, here’s the info! Press Release: Tennessee’s Largest, Most Popular Gardening Event ! Thursday, March 3 – Sunday, March 6 at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Live Gardens + Thousands of Blooming Plants + Free Lectures Floral…
A Goal for the Vegetable Garden
I have a goal in mind for my vegetable garden this year. I have a similar goal every year but this year I think it’s especially important. I want to make our garden into our grocery store. I’m being realistic with this and in no…
October Garden Shed Update
Since my garden shed’s construction was complete my updates have been less frequent. OK it’s not really complete yet but the physical structure is finished. (Feel free to check out the YouTube slideshow on the shed’s construction) There is a huge list of things I…
Discover more from Growing The Home Garden
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.