r/AlabamaExtensionAU

Kudzu (Pueraria montana) is one of the most aggressive invasive vines in the South, quickly engulfing trees, yards, and residential structures if left unmanaged.

Controlling kudzu in residential landscapes requires persistence and integrated management strategies. Combining mechanical removal—such as repeated cutting or mowing—with targeted, properly timed herbicide applications helps exhaust the plant's massive root system and prevent re-establishment around homes and property lines.

Read the full ACES article to learn effective control methods and herbicide safety guidelines for residential kudzu management: https://aub.ie/kudzucontrol

Eastern gray squirrels are common wildlife neighbors across Alabama, but when they move into attics, they can cause significant structural damage and safety hazards.

Squirrels chew through electrical wiring, wood, and insulation to build nests, leading to costly repairs and potential fire risks. Effective management involves inspecting rooflines, sealing entry points with heavy-gauge hardware cloth, and trimming overhanging tree branches away from your home to prevent easy access.

Read the full ACES article to learn practical strategies for managing squirrel activity and preventing attic damage: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/eastern-gray-squirrels-managing-and-preventing-attic-damage/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUzSTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVprdEJxa0g0WjByQ0VUR0xzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe_wL6qzU1UFGOVfThdHmIuMHXep7X1EAi27Eu6PeOHuOntHfIrWi9FRvjYAQ_aem_Fekf9GkZuMVwPQ2IIm8CqQ

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is one of Alabama's native palm species, playing a crucial role in coastal plain ecosystems and pine flatwoods across the region.

Despite being overlooked in traditional landscapes, this resilient, slow-growing plant offers exceptional ecological value—providing essential shelter and food for birds, small mammals, and native pollinators. Understanding its growth habits and environmental benefits can help landowners appreciate its place in Alabama’s natural heritage.

Read the full ACES article to learn more about saw palmetto and its role in our ecosystems: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/saw-palmetto-alabamas-ancient-overlooked-palm/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUwvQhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVRXTFEzVDFlVVRSNUlkTjNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7QViSfhMu19k4G9nzkKMXr0oQ8SHf4trEZ_VMfxgDAZuQMp9SCoUl7ofXbs_aem_0HdFCvgJS3pBpEUh9Gim4w

Water hyacinth, also known as common water hyacinth, is a non-native floating perennial aquatic plant that is native to South America.

Above the water's surface, this plant grows waxy, leathery leaves that can vary slightly in shape from round to more oval or paddle-shaped. They are often not flat but rather have a concave or convex curve along the leaf plane. At the base of the leaves is an inflated, bulb-like petiole that provides buoyancy to the plant.

Flowering typically occurs in summer through early fall. A single, erect stem will bear several showy, 6-petal flowers that are light purple in color with dark purple striations on petals and a single, bright yellow dot on the uppermost petal.

Under the water's surface, the plant grows feathery roots that can become very dense.

This plant has been reported across the southeastern U.S. and can be found in ponds and slow-moving waters in north, central, and south Alabama.

Although this plant was introduced for its beauty as an ornamental aquatic species, it can aggressively spread in stagnant or slow-moving fresh water. Dense mats or heavy infestations can negatively impact ecosystem health by reducing dissolved oxygen and outcompeting native vegetation. Navigation and recreation can also be impacted by infestations of this species. Remember to never introduce this plant or other aquarium species to water bodies. Small infestations may be hand-pulled, but larger infestations will need to be mechanically removed or chemically treated. For more information on aquatic weed control, visit our Alabama Extension website for the "Weed Management in Lakes and Ponds" article https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/fish-water/weed-management-in-lakes-and-ponds/, or call your local office.