Suggested Reading

Here's a cool article on Chattanooga's attempt to control kudzu using goats. It's interesting to think that goats could be the first step in the invasive control and restorative processes. Just during the brief amount of time I've observed them, it's clear that goats can, in fact, be extremely helpful in clearing out exotic invasives. (Quick before/after example.)

• For one, every piece of foliage is stripped from the stems and branches of the evil English ivy. Take, for example, the downed mulberry on the other side of the creek. It's stump and lower trunk were completely carpeted with English ivy. Once defoliated, the ivy pulled right off the tree. Now, the tree is entirely visible again. Much more visually appealing.

• It didn't take long to realize that privet was like goat candy. Of all the plants in the back yard, native or introduced, privet disappeared first. Now, all that's left are their individual leafless stalks. I haven't tried, but it looks like they'll be much easier to grab a hold of and pop out of the ground with the help of a spade.

• The patch of light green reedy plants by the creek was taken care of pretty quickly too. I'm not 100% sure on its ID, but if I had to guess, I'd go with Nepalese Browntop. If you happen to know the mystery plant, don't be shy. Be a hero and let everybody know through the comment box.

• The liriope is also starting to disappear, or at least become visibly sheared off. They've still got plenty to nibble on though. My neighbor pointed out that goats won't get down to the roots on these plants, so their permanent eradication will take some extra grunt work.