Burning brush at Curtis Farm (Greg Braun photo)

What do you do when you see a big, fat dandelion staring at you in an area of your garden that you have just cleaned up for the spring? Do you ignore it? Or, do you attack it as soon as possible? That’s what we members of Harpswell Invasive Plant Partnership (HIPP) face all during the growing season, starting in April and ending in October.

In April and May, sprouts of knotweed demand immediate cutting and Canada thistle must be pulled before its roots develop so deeply as to only break at the surface if we delay. Soon after, the distinctive scent of garlic mustard shows its white flowers on one-foot stems, usually in a dense patch, and we pull the plants or snip off the flowers to prevent thousands of seeds from developing and spreading.

By June, the deceptively beautiful white bouquets of multiflora rose emerge, and we know it’s time to grab the shovels to dig out the root balls. At the same time, barberry is picking at us, so we cut it to the ground, often burn the stubs with a torch to prevent regrowth, and smother the remains to prevent the spread of fire. Stubborn shrub honeysuckles are in leaf by June, so we try several approaches: if the site allows, we dig out the root ball. If the site doesn’t allow for digging, we sometimes cut these to the ground, completely cover with thick plastic tied securely, and wait two growing seasons for their demise.

Each invasive plant demands its own season for treatment, and its own attack strategy. One crucial factor is the need for persistence – we will have to repeat the process the next year, and maybe again for as long as a decade for certain plants until growth diminishes and the land rebalances with desirable native species. Just as dandelions spread, so do these invasive plants spread if left unchecked. In our town’s public lands, it would be a great loss to close off our hiking trails and our meadows due to overgrowth that has been neglected.

Native Bluestem (Linda Wilkins photo)

HIPP takes pride in the invasive plant removal progress on Harpswell’s lands, and hopes members of the public value these efforts, too. Previously faced with walls of bittersweet at Curtis Farm Preserve, we have since uncovered the foundation of a farmstead building. At Johnson Field Preserve, instead of invasives, we have newly planted little bluestem, with more native plants coming soon. If you see an invasive plant on a Harpswell Heritage Land Trust preserve, just know there’s a “HIPPster” out there who has plans to control it. You can help, too. Taking part is one way to advance our progress.

If you’re curious about how to get rid of invasives on your property, HIPP is available to help identify your plants and give advice about controlling them. This free service directs you to the most effective season and efficient techniques to reduce your maintenance efforts. Email HIPP-help at hipp.maine@gmail.com to arrange for a visit.