SEASONAL OUTDOOR SERVICES
Transforming Spaces from the Ground Up
HIMALAYAN BALSAM
THE PROBLEM WITH THIS SPECIES?
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has rapidly become one of the UK and Irelands most invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste ground and damp woodlands. It successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, and excludes other plant species, thereby reducing native biodiversity.
As an annual plant, Himalayan balsam dies back in the winter and, where the plant grows in river systems,
can leave river banks bare of vegetation and liable to erosion.
Dead plant material can also enter the river, increasing the risk of flooding.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
Due to its exceptionally high reproduction rate, the plant can spread rapidly if it gets a chance to colonise.
It can rapidly spread along waterways and take over waste land. This rapid expansion can smother smaller native species with its dense canopy, thus reducing the biodiversity in the area.
HOW WE TREAT IT
We use chemical control, by carefully selecting the correct chemical in relation to our site specific risk assessment.
This minimises the environmental impact the plant has.