To the editor:

By late November, most Brown County foliage has turned brown and fallen, giving us clear vistas into our yards and forests. So if you have green, leafy shrubs still blocking your view, you may have a problem.

Some shrub species retain their green leaves long after our native plants have entered their winter slumber. More than likely these still-green shrubs are Asian bush honeysuckle and autumn olive. Both are “invasive,” meaning that they spread rapidly and soon block the ability of our native plants to thrive and survive.

For the health of your gardens and woodlands, identify shrubs that are still green. If they’re invasive, do what’s needed to control them.

The Brown County Native Woodlands Project’s website has the information you need. Go to bcnwp.org where pictures will help you identify the plants. A calendar on the site will guide you on how and when to control them.

In the spring you may even find native plants beginning to take the place of the shrubs.

Then you will be glad you took advantage of this seasonal opportunity.

Ruth Ann Ingraham, Brown County Native Woodlands Project

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