LOVE YOUR GARDEN? HERE'S HOW TO REMOVE FIVE INVASIVE PLANTS
Maintaining a beautiful garden can enhance your home’s curb appeal and even increase its value.
However, some common plants in Australia can have the opposite effect, with invasive root systems that threaten your home’s structure and surrounding environment. Here, Mortage Experts list five invasive plants that could damage your property and give tips on removing them.
Agapanthus (African Lily / Lily of the Nile): Known for its beautiful blooms, Agapanthus spreads quickly and can become invasive, affecting the local environment.
How to remove: This plant is relatively easy to eliminate with a glyphosate spray. Let the plant break down before digging out the deep-set roots.
Weeping Fig 2. Weeping Figs (Ficus): While these popular ornamental plants may look harmless, their root systems are notorious for damaging pavements, underground pipes, and even pool structures. If left unchecked, their invasive roots can also disturb the biodiversity in your garden.
How to remove: Due to the complexity of the roots, it’s best to hire a professional to remove Weeping Figs. Their aerial roots can develop into thick trunks underground, making DIY removal challenging.
Palms 3. Palms (Arecaceae): While they create a tropical vibe, palms' root systems can damage walls, foundations, and paving stones. Their shallow roots also contribute to soil erosion.
How to remove: Due to their weight and extensive root systems, professional removal is recommended for older and larger palms. For smaller, younger palms, wet the soil and wear protective gear before attempting removal yourself.
Ivy 4. Ivy Ivy may add a romantic feel to walls, but it can wreak havoc by damaging foundations and wood. Its fast growth makes it a common environmental weed across Australia.
How to remove: Removing ivy can be time-consuming, and weed killers may not always be effective. Manually remove the roots using a shovel, and watch for new growth to prevent re-infestation.
Robinia 5. Robinia Mop Top (Robinia pseudoacacia) This plant tends to propagate through root suckers, potentially spreading into neighbouring properties and causing damage.
How to remove: Larger Robinia Mop Tops can be tough to eradicate. Use stump treatments and stem injection for effective removal, though professional assistance may be required for widespread infestation.
