THINGS ARE FINALLY BEGNNING TO GREEN UP, BUT...

It looks like spring has finally arrived!  As always, I have been watching the roadsides in eager anticipation.  Here's the thing though, I used to think it was a good sign when I saw early hints of green in the scrubby growth along the wood line, but as I have been learning more and more about invasive plants, I have come to realize that most of the early greening that I see is the result of invasive plants coming to life.  Their early growth is but one of their methods of gaining a foothold over native plants which are often a bit slower to awake from their winter slumber.  While you are on the road, take a glimpse into the forest.  In the understory you will see a froth of green foliage.  Much of what you see is the emergence of leaves on the Japanese barberry shrubs.  It is especially at this time of year, when they are first leafing out that you can see how they are filling in spaces between all of the trees.  You can imagine how dense, and impenetrable these shrubs will eventually become if they are allowed to continue their unbridled growth.  The multiflora rose is another equally virulent offender.  Soon I will be posting articles describing some of the most effective methods for the control of these and other plants on the invasive species list.  Stay tuned.