Trimworks Tree Removal Service located in Largo, FL has been asked several times by clients "why is it so expensive to remove Brazilian Pepper." First and last it is extremely hard to handle, it is a tree/shrub with vine like branches that intertwines with anything and everything it comes in contact with. Without large machinery it is almost impossible to remove without several bad words being thrown around and days of intense labor. And unless you take even more steps to eradicate the plant completely, it will return. We always suggest hiring a professional company like Trimworks Tree Service. We make it look easy, even though it is extremely tough. But if you do choose to remove it on your own we suggest the following:
· Cut off all branches coming from root
· Cut into the truck and 6-12 from ground level, avoiding contact with your skin (some people have an allergic reaction to this species)
· Remove the entire root ball. If the root ball is not removed in its entirety it will come back and you will be forced to go through this all over again. If the trees are mature it may be harder to remove the stump, so they suggest to cut trunk at base and use herbicide to kill off the root ball to ensure it does not return
Call our Pinellas County Tree Removal Professional Today! 727-289-1633
Here is a little more information about the invasive plant.
According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, invasive-exotic plant species like Brazilian pepper trees are introduced species that out-compete and displace native plants. Often not subject to the sort of limiting factors, such as diseases and insects, that would keep them under control in their native environments, they can quickly grow and multiply unchecked and form dense, single-species stands that dominate and alter natural environments. In time, they can actually eliminate native plant species upon which animals rely for food and shelter. Controlling invasive plants like Brazilian peppers can cost billions of dollars and are difficult to completely eradicate.
The Brazilian pepper tree is an ornamental shrub or tree native to Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay that was introduced into Florida in the mid-1800s. Its bright green leaves and red berries may be attractive, but it is a known aggressive invader that has dominated hammocks, pinelands, and mangrove forests, affecting terrestrial and aquatic habitats alike. The tree, which can grow to 30 feet and live over 30 years, forms a dense canopy that shades out all other plants. Its seeds are easily spread through birds and other animals that ingest the berries.
The best way to eradicate a Brazilian pepper tree is to remove the whole tree, root system and all. Because this is difficult to do to mature trees, they are often cut to the stump as close to the ground as possible and treated with an herbicide. Care must also be taken to appropriately dispose of the cut branches to ensure that berries and seeds are destroyed and do not spread.