UNNATURAL BORN KILLERS

Scary title? Deservingly so. Invasives are scary business.

By definition, an invasive plant or tree is a non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.

And just like in a good murder mystery, you can't always tell which plant or tree will cause the messy mayhem. Some invasives have pretty flowers, sweet scents, cirque de soleil worthy climbing abilities and innocent sounding names. This is just deception. Do not be drawn in by these sirens.

So which plants should you shout Stranger Danger at? On June 3rd and 5th, Casey Trees will host Unnatural Born Killers where guest instructors Ken Ferbee (NPS) and Mary Farrah (UDC) will teach you about the area's most pernicious plant invaders and how to combat them. This course includes an evening lecture and weekend field component.

Advance registration is required and space is limited. As with all of our classes and programs, Unnatural Born Killers is FREE.

Since Unnatural Born Killers will focus on invasive plants, I am officially declaring it Invasive Tree Week here on Tree Speak. All this week we will highlight tree species you should just say "NO" to. These trees along with others are listed on our Do Not Plant list. It is important to note that these trees do not quality for our Tree Rebate. Nope, not on my watch.