Question From: L. Kolde - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, United States
Q: Invasive Plant Issue I have been fighting “Mug Wort” for 5 years. It originated in a neighbors back yard and has spread to mine. It has made its way into my back lot line plantings and lawn. In addition, It has leap frogged to other beds in my yard far from the original source. I understand the only way to treat it is through products like RoundUp, which will kill the infiltrated plants and my infected grass. I recently decided to sacrifice the plants in my lot line beds so I can more readily fight it. My neighbor where the Mug Wort first appeared, is a gardener operating a small business from her home. She is philosophically opposed to using any chemicals which allows the Mug Wort to thrive. As she is unwilling to treat the Mug Wort, I see no end to controlling its spread. Eventually it will be all over the neighborhood. What can a person do? I’ve hired professionals to get rid of it. I’ve spent money on mulch and countless hours over the years applying RoundUp. I’m afraid it will infest some costly new landscaping. Do I have any recourse to stop this?
A: If your neighbor is selling plants out of her garden, by law they should be inspected. Here's a link to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. It may be helpful to you. I would also contact your city hall. There may be a zoning ordinance regarding this issue. Best Nancy and thanks for contacting Yardener.com http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1569_16993_16998---,00.html.
