What You Should Know Before Attempting To Raise Non-Native Plant Species

As an established gardener there are probably quite a few things that you know about growing plants and trees and nurturing them through various seasons and stages. Experience has taught you all about providing your cultivated area with the right amounts of nutrients, sunlight and water. You know which species are potentially poisonous and to which animals. You are also aware of the different types of bacteria, fungi and insects in the local environment that can have a very negative impact on your efforts.

Once you begin to add non-native species to your space, however, there are many new considerations that must be made. Unfortunately, many people do not attempt to learn all that they can before they make these major transitions. The results can be harmful to the existing organisms in your nearby environment, to your household pets and even to you.

How these plants or trees will affect the nearby wildlife is crucial. Birds, squirrels and other animals are likely to pass through its foliage, attempt to nest in it and perhaps even eat the different fruits or seeds that it produces. Although most animal species are naturally quite astute when it comes to identifying potentially harmful foliage, something that is not native to your area may not be so easily recognized.

You should also learn whether the leaves will be poisonous to any pets or small children that you have on your properly. Even the most harmless seeming plants and trees can have a disastrous impact on certain living beings when introduced into the body. For this reason, the toxicity of different elements of any plant or tree that you are considering should be investigated thoroughly.

It is additionally important to learn how much extra attention different species will require, once they are planted in a space that puts them officially out of their element. Sometimes the ongoing needs of these things may be more of a stress than you are able to bear. This is especially true if you live in an area that frequently experiences low annual rainfall and often has strict limitations on water use for landscaping purposes.

Whether you are attempting to grow paulownia elongata or any other non-native plant or tree, you must always develop an expansive knowledge base before proceeding. This will reduce or even eliminate the likelihood of unfortunate and potentially costly surprises. Luckily, there are many online forums that you can visit to learn more about exotic trees, plants and herbs before bringing these things into your garden.