Giant Hogweed: The non-native invader to Torbay

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Giant Hogweed: The non-native invader to Torbay

Clear View Tree & Hedge Services Ltd • Jul 27, 2022

What is it?

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a plant in the Apiaceae family (previously known as the Umbelliferae). This family includes some well-known plants such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander.

Giant hogweed is not native to the UK. It originates from Central Asia. It was first introduced to the UK as an ornamental in the 19th century when it escaped and naturalised in the wild. It is now classed as an invasive species and can be found throughout much of the UK, and Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams are no exception, especially colonising riverbanks where its seeds are transported by the water.

What does giant hogweed look like?

Giant hogweed looks like an enormous cow parsley plant. When it's fully grown, it can reach towering heights of between 1.5m to 5m and have a spread of between 1 and 2m.

Is giant hogweed dangerous?

In short - the sap of giant hogweed can cause burns. It contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis).

If the sap gets onto your skin and it's then exposed to the sun, your skin can blister badly. Blistering can then recur over months and even years. This is known as phytotoxicity.

The best way to avoid injury is to familiarise yourself with the plant and avoid contact with your skin. Brushing through patches of giant hogweed and exposing yourself to plants that have been cut might cause you to get sap on your skin.

What happens if you touch giant hogweed?

If you do get giant hogweed sap on your skin, be sure to wash the area thoroughly and immediately. Seek medical advice and do not expose the area to sunlight for a few days.

Tree surgeons commonly use glyphosate to control giant hogweed infestations. It is also possible to manually get rid of the species by uprooting it.

If you are concerned that you have Giant Hogweed in your garden, the professional tree surgery team at Clear View Tree and Hedge Services Limited, would be happy to take a look and provide advice. For all enquiries call 01803 882808.

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Leaving a tree stump in the ground following a tree removal, can cause a few different issues you may have not considered: Fungal Roots Tree stumps provide an ideal environment for fungal growth. When a tree is cut down or dies, the wood is left behind to decay, which creates a nutrient-rich environment for fungi to thrive. Whilst fungi plays an important role in the natural process of wood decomposition, if left untouched nearby other trees and wood, it can spread and cause decay and weakening of these otherwise healthy trees. Additionally, if the fungi on the tree stump is known to be harmful to humans or pets, such as certain types of poisonous mushrooms, it is important to keep them away from the tree stump to avoid any handling or consuming of the fungi. Safety Hazard If the stump remains following a tree removal, it will be sticking out of the ground, sometimes quite a bit above the ground. This could be a trip and fall hazard. Re-growth After a tree is cut down, suckering can start to happen. This is where the tree stump sends up new shoots or growth from the base of the trunk. These new shoots are called suckers and can grow quickly, often aggressively. Suckering is most common in trees that have been damaged or stressed, or in certain species that are prone to producing suckers. While suckering is a natural and healthy process for a tree, it can also be a nuisance if you’ve just had the tree cut down and another starts to grow in its place. They can also be unsightly and difficult to remove. Infestations If the tree that has been removed is a dead tree it becomes an attraction for pests, like ants, and beetles. These pests can easily spread, affecting the health and beauty of other trees in the garden. They can sometimes also spread into your home. Removing the tree stump will help prevent infestations of these pests. Aesthetics An obvious reason to remove a tree stump is because it can be an eyesore in an otherwise well-manicured landscape. Removing it can improve the overall appearance of your property. It also frees up space to create other features such as a driveway, patio decking or flower beds. If you decide that you want to remove your tree stump, Clear View Tree and Hedge Services have the expertise and equipment to do the job.