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Invasive Exotic Plants (IEP)
Did you know that residential properties can harbor a variety of invasive exotic plants?
Invasive exotic plants are plant species introduced outside their natural range that spread rapidly in the environment. By competing with native species, they can harm biodiversity and degrade natural habitats.
The City encourages residents to learn how to identify them and adopt best practices to help prevent their spread and protect our natural heritage.
Here are some of the IEP most commonly found in gardens (all links are French only):
La gestion des plantes exotiques envahissantes repose généralement sur trois axes de pratique complémentaires : prévention, détection précoce et contrôle.
1. Manual Removal
Suitable for small colonies and young plants.
- Remove the plant with as much of the root system as possible
- Act before flowering and seed production occur
- Repeat the process several times throughout the growing season, if necessary.
Repeated Cutting or Mowing
For species that regrow after being pulled.
- Cut plants several times per year
- Prevent plants from flowering
- Maintain this effort over several years to deplete root reserves
Tarping (Light Exclusion)
An effective method for garden beds and planting areas.
- Cut back vegetation
- Cover the soil with an opaque barrier:
- Use a plastic tarp or a durable geotextile fabric
- Mow or cut plants down to ground level before laying the cover
- Ensure the entire colony is covered, with an additional one to two metres beyond the infestation area
- If multiple tarps are needed, overlap them by a half to one metre to prevent shoots from emerging between sections
- Secure the tarps with weights like bags of soil
- Regularly inspect the tarps, repair any damage, and remove shoots that may emerge around the perimeter
- Leave the cover in place for an extended period, with a minimum of two years
- Monitor for regrowth around the edges
Proper Disposal of Plant Material
Essential to prevent further spread.
- Do not compost invasive plants
- Place plant material in sealed bags and dispose of it in the garbage
- Clean tools thoroughly after use
Revegetation
After removal:
- Replant native species as soon as possible
- Cover bare soil to reduce open spaces
- Use shrubs and perennials that are well suited to the site
What to Avoid
- Moving soil from an infested area
- Disposing of plant material in forests, ditches, or vacant lots
- Allowing plants to go to seed
- Fragmenting species such as Japanese Knotweed without collecting all plant debris.
Recommended Monitoring Frequency
- Inspect sites in the spring
- Carry out control measures two to four times during the summer
- Conduct a follow-up inspection in the fall
- Continue monitoring for at least two to five years for rhizomatous species such as Japanese Knotweed and Common Reed.
A Simple Rule for Homeowners
Detect early, remove quickly, dispose of plant material properly, and replace invasive plants with native species.
This is generally the most effective and cost-efficient approach.
To learn more about invasive exotic plants, visit Québec Vert’s Je te remplace program. This platform (in French) also offers alternative planting options for many invasive exotic plants, helping residents create sustainable, environmentally-friendly green spaces.