There are invasive species that destroy farmland and damage property, like noxious weeds. There are other invasive species, ones that people don’t often talk about. These invasive and aggressive trees will wreck your hunting grounds, pastures, and ranch land in Montana.
What are they, and what can you do about them?
Invasive Trees in Montana
Some of these invasive species are from other continents, but others come from different areas of North America. They are often spread by human activity because they are beautiful or look good. However, you don’t want any of them on your Montana land. If you’ve got property in Big Sky Country, there’s a good chance you’re going to have to deal with an invasive tree or shrub.
Russian Olive
Topping off the list is the Russian olive tree. These trees are widespread in Montana, particularly along waterways. They’re not native to the area and can cause significant problems. Russian olives are incredibly hardy and can thrive in poor soil conditions.
Not only are they hard to stop, but they also soak up an incredible amount of water. This can be a real problem for anyone who is wanting to use their land for cultivation. It can also make hunting land less useful, as native species that animals like deer enjoy are crowded out.
Salt Cedar (Tamarisk)
Salt cedar, also known as tamarisk, is another major invasive tree in Montana. It’s particularly problematic along rivers and in wetland areas. Salt cedar can quickly take over riparian zones, crowding out native vegetation and altering the ecosystem.
These trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and produce massive amounts of seeds. They also increase the salinity of the soil, making it difficult for native plants to grow nearby. Controlling salt cedar often requires a combination of mechanical removal and herbicide treatment.
Siberian Elm
The Siberian Elm is a species that is not native to North America. It comes from Asia and spreads aggressively on disturbed ground in Montana. It has a high seed and germination rate and can quickly take over a pasture or field.
Once they mature, Siberian Elms can be large trees, standing around seventy feet tall with a crown that measures forty feet across. If you find that you have one, they are difficult to contain because they generate so many seeds. The only real way to control their spread is to remove them entirely.
Other Invasive Species in Montana
Unfortunately, there are more than just trees that are invasive in Montana. Here are a few other problematic species to watch out for:
Spotted Knapweed
While not a tree, spotted knapweed is one of the most widespread and damaging invasive plants in Montana. It can quickly dominate grasslands and rangelands, reducing forage for livestock and wildlife.
Leafy Spurge
Another non-tree invasive, leafy spurge is a significant problem in Montana’s prairies and rangelands. It’s toxic to most livestock and can reduce land values.
Canada Thistle
This aggressive weed can invade a variety of habitats in Montana, from croplands to forests. It’s difficult to control due to its deep root system.
How to Deal With Invasive Plants and Trees
There are several options available to people who want to deal with invasive species in Montana. These include mechanical removal, herbicide application, and in some cases, carefully managed grazing or biological control.
Most landowners don’t have the time or the experience to deal with invasive species on their own. We need someone who does have the equipment and experience to deal with the problem. This is why you should contact BDH Land Solutions.
Why Choose BDH Land Solutions?
If you want to protect your Montana landscape, BDH Land Solutions can help. We have experience dealing with the worst invasive species in Montana. We won’t undersell the job, either. We will give you a realistic quote that takes into account the difficulties in dealing with these plants.
If the job turns out to be even larger than we thought, we won’t expect you to pay for whatever we want to do. Instead, we’ll stop and inform you of the situation. This gives you the power to accept or decline our continued work on your behalf.
Don’t deal with unprofessional contractors that are just out for a quick buck. BDH Land Solutions will give you the professionalism and results that you deserve. We have the people, the equipment, the experience, and the knowledge to get the job done right in Montana’s unique environment.
Contact us, and let’s set up an appointment to get rid of the pesky invaders that are plaguing your Montana property. Together, we can work to restore and maintain the natural beauty of your land.
