As the days get shorter and the leaves begin to fall, many of us turn our attention to tidying up our yards. While fall cleanup is important for garden health and winter preparation, it’s also a key time to take steps to prevent the spread of invasive species in our communities.
1. Identify and Remove Invasive Plants Carefully
Before you start, familiarize yourself with common invasive plants in your area, such as (Scotch broom), (giant hogweed), and (creeping buttercup). When removing these plants, avoid shaking seeds or plant material loose and place them in bags for proper disposal at a green waste or designated invasive species drop-off site.
2. Clean Equipment and Tools
Invasive seeds, roots, and soil can easily hitch a ride on garden tools, boots, and machinery. Always brush off dirt, seeds, and plant debris before moving equipment between properties or natural areas.
3. Manage Yard Waste Responsibly
Avoid composting invasive plants at home, as seeds and roots can survive and spread. Instead, bag and dispose of them according to municipal guidelines or at approved invasive species collection sites. Invasive species are FREE to dump at RDCK and RDKB landfills and transfer stations. Click here to learn more about responsible disposal.
4. Monitor and Maintain Your Yard
After cleanup, keep an eye on your property in the spring and summer for new growth from previously removed invasives. Early detection and removal prevent larger infestations later on.
Fall yard cleanup is an opportunity to not only prepare your garden for winter but also protect our natural ecosystems from invasive species. By following these best practices, you can enjoy a tidy yard while helping CKISS in our mission to preserve the health of the Central Kootenays.