The Importance Of Himalayan Balsam Eradication

by

joalesto

Himalayan balsam is one of the most unpleasant plants ever seen by man. It may have its role in the ecology but not in human civilization where it is considered a nuisance. In United States and in UK, it is classified as an invasive plant, or a weed, and therefore must be eradicated. It is common along river banks and ditches and can be seen in wetlands. It grows rapidly and spreads rapidly, especially along river banks. But this weed can be easily pulled by hand because of its weak roots.

The Himalayan balsam comes by a number of names like stinky pops and policeman’s helmet and is commonly found as a tall annual plant that can grow up to three meters. The plant produces clusters of awful smelling purplish pink flowers that look like helmets. As the name suggests, the plant came from the Himalayas where it is grown as an ornamental plant. However, it grows too well in warmer climates that it spreads at a fast rate. The weeds are tough and can create an environment that is hostile for other vegetation. Thus, it should not be seen in gardens and lawns and farms or they will wreak havoc, competing with other plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. They are efficient in winning the competition when left alone, choking other plants, and depleting them of nutrients.

Himalayan balsam weeds can be controlled through manual and mechanical means. For instance, you can pull the stems to get rid of the weeds. Grazing animals actually feed on Himalayan balsam and that is a good way of taking care of these nuisances without spending on equipment. But grazing cannot be done all year round. Early spring is the best time for grazing. Cutting is usually an easy and cheap method but must be done before flower buds burst. On the other hand, if you prefer mowing, it must be done several times to avert growth of new plants or germination of embedded seeds.

It is important to prevent these weeds from bearing fruits if you want to control them because each fruit can produce about eight hundred seeds which can remain viable for up to two years. The seeds can easily spread along river banks where the flowing water can carry them miles from the source.

Herbicides can be used to effectively eliminate Himalayan balsam weeds but they can only be safely used if there are no other plants in the area. Herbicides used to control these weeds may also harm other existing plants. For example, glyphosate is a non-discriminating herbicide that may kill off other plants aside from the weeds, so care must be employed. Spraying of herbicides should be done in the spring. The weeds to be discarded will have to be placed in thick trash bags and transported to landfills. Transport of trash bags containing the weeds should be done with care. Plastic bags should be tightly closed to avoid spilling of seeds if there are any.

In UK, allowing Himalayan balsam plants to grow and spread is illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned if you allow the weeds to spread to another property. This is why maintenance of your property is important and halting the spread of these hostile weeds is imperative.

You have to be able to identify these weeds from other plants. They have reddish stems with dark green leaves. The leaves have jagged edges and are shaped like a lance. The flowers have colors that range from purple to pink and usually bloom in summer. These weeds are commonly found along river banks and can grow as high as 2 meters when the conditions are right. These plants die in winter but within its life, it can produce more than two thousand seeds.

Jo is a writer for ‘Invasive Weed Solutions’ (http://www.invasiveweedsolutions.co.uk/), a website owned by Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd., a widely recognized Japanese Knotweed removal experts based in UK. If you are a keen gardener, a home builder or a nature lover and are searching for specialists in

Ragwort control

then have a look at Invasive Weed Solutions.

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The Importance Of Himalayan Balsam Eradication