What is an invasive exotic plant, and why should I be worried about them?

Invasive exotics plants are plant species that are not native to Florida. These species have been introduced to the state by accident, and sometimes on purpose. Studies strongly indicate that invasive exotic plants harm Florida's natural environment and lead to a loss of biodiversity. Many of Florida's unique native plant and animal communities are found nowhere else in North America, and invasive exotic plants disrupt Florida's natural environment by forming monoculture habitats and by altering ecological processes that permit native plant and animals to survive.

Do we have to use herbicides?

Many invasive exotic species do not require the use of herbicides for their control. Manual removal is accomplished by mowing, cutting, or hand-pulling many of these species. However, due to their ability to resprout from any root material left underground, most of the target species in North Florida are most effectively removed by using careful, controlled herbicide applications.

What herbicides does Captain Good Plant use?

Two major herbicide formulations are primarily used by federal, state, and local governmental and private land managers to control invasive exotics plant species. These two formulations are favored for use for systemic invasive plant control as they move within the plant to the site where they are active after being absorbed by foliage or bark.  These herbicides are absorbed by soils or quickly broken down in soil and are not absorbed effectively by other plants.  Because they have negligible root activity and break down quickly, they have little potential for causing nontarget damage when carefully applied.

Glyphosate is a popular herbicide formulation for herbaceous plants. This active ingredient can be found within widely available products like Roundup or Rodeo.

Triclopyr is a popular herbicide formulation for woody plants. This is the herbicide formulation most used by the Captain. The Captain uses a product called Garlon 4 that contains this active ingredient. This "Captain-strength" formulation of triclopyr is very expensive and only available in very large quantities. This active ingredient can also be found within more widely available products like Brush-B-Gon.

Can I purchase herbicides to treat exotics myself?

Yes, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are herbicides available at your local home supercenter that contain active ingredients proved to be effective for use in Florida.