Here is what you CAN do:
IDENTIFY – Be sure to properly identify that the plant is garlic mustard – it is a biennial which means that it only has leaves the first year and flowers the second. The first year plants have kidney shaped leaves with scalloped edges and a wrinkled appearance. The second year plants have more of heart-shaped leaves with similar edges and appearance. The flower stalks can reach 1-4’ and bare small ¼” white flowers with 4 petals. The leaves will also give off a garlic scent when crushed.
HAND PULLING – For smaller infestations hand pulling is always recommended, plus it is better for the environment. The pulled plants should be placed in plastic bags and either deeply buried in an area that will not be disturbed or placed in a landfill – labeled ‘Invasive Plants – approved by DNR for land filling’. The plants can also be burned after drying inside a plastic bag. If NOT placed in plastic bags after pulling, the plants can still continue to grow in a moist environment, and the seeds can ripen, spread, and germinate.
HERBICIDE – Use only as a last resort or for extremely large populations. Use a non-selective herbicide, such as a 1% or 2% solution containing glyphosate. Apply to the foliage of the plants when native plants are dormant, but still green, ideally before they go to flowering and seed.
CUTTING – Cutting back stalks of flower plants may kill the plant and will stop seed production, but the plants may also send up new flower stalks so the plants need to be closely monitored for treatment.
BMP (Best Management Practices) – Be sure to clean all tools, shoes, pants cuffs, gloves, pockets, and any other equipment after working in an infested area. Seeds can easily be carried off on clothes and mud.
MONITORING – Periodically check previously infested area for new sprout s – the seeds will stay in the ground and germinate up to 3 or more years after you pull or spray existing plants.
