Most of the plants you might find growing wild on your property are relatively harmless, but there are a few invasive species to look out for when you’re mowing your lawn, pulling weeds and performing other tasks in your yard.
Giant hogweed is a good example of one such plant that can be potentially hazardous to humans and their pets.
According to scientists at the University of Connecticut, invasive hogweed plants have been growing in our area for almost 20 years now. They can grow to be as tall as 15 feet high, with five-foot long leaves that have thick, hollow stems. During the summer, you may see hogweed plants blooming with white flowers that grow in large clusters up to 2.5 feet across.
In addition to overwhelming native plant species, hogweed plants also produce a sap that can cause human skin to blister and become very sensitive to sun exposure. With this in mind, you should always wear protective such gear such as thick gloves and long sleeves when attempting to remove hogweed plants from your property.
The good news is, hogweed plants are still relatively rare in our region.
Because of its invasive status and dangerous sap, however, it’s always best to err on the side of caution if you think hogweed might be growing near your home. At Brother Tree & Lawn Service, our seasonal yard cleanups can help keep invasive species at bay and make it easier for you to maintain your landscaping all year round. To learn more about all the lawn care services we offer, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!