GARLIC MUSTARD CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT

In collaboration with York Region Natural Heritage & Forestry and the support of York Environmental Stewardship, we established a research site in a York Region Forest to test the effectiveness of biochar in suppressing soil phytotoxins produced by Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata).

Three years of YREA involvement in pulling Garlic Mustard at Bakers Woods in Vaughan has not eliminated it. Garlic Mustard is an invasive, alien plant known to produce soil toxins that weaken many of our native plants and trees. It displaces native wildflowers and hinders tree health by interfering with the growth of fungi that bring nutrients to plant roots. Research conducted elsewhere concluded that biochar can improve growth in toxic soils and may be helpful in restoring soil health. Read more on how to identify and manage this plant.

Download the Garlic Mustard Fact Sheet