From our Committees Environmental Committee
Native Plants Of Tanglwood Lakes “To plant or not to plant….”
Tanglwood Lakes is a wonderful and amazing place to live. We are enveloped by an abundance of flora and fauna, the diversity of which enriches our lives in ways we might not even comprehend. Many scientific studies show that just walking in woodlands can give you a significant reduction in stress. Being in and viewing trees and greenery actually creates an overall sense of calm and can increase your immunity [1]. We, as individual homeowners, can take proactive steps to keep our natural surroundings healthy and productive and become better stewards of Tanglwood’s vast natural environment. Let’s focus on some of the more obvious plants in Tanglwood Lakes that are native and beneficial. As homeowners our actions can be as simple as planting and assisting the native plants, while eliminating the invasive ones. This will help to ensure future generations of woodlands that thrive. For example, most of us know that the Pennsylvania state flower is the evergreen mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia. Its late spring blooms are an eye candy that fill our local landscape with their delicate white and pink flowers. Another name for mountain laurel is spoonwood since Native Americans used to make spoons from the wood of this plant. Although they contain little nourishment, deer do eat mountain laurel leaves and new sprouts, and most established plants in our area are bare of all their lower leaves. Homeowners can spray new spring ground shoots of existing plants and newly planted bushes with a deer repellent, either homemade or purchased. These sprays are effective but do need to be reapplied after it rains. Short surround fencing or netting can also help protect both existing and newly planted laurels and give new plants and shoots a chance to become established.
Another native beneficial plant, the swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata, grows abundantly in Tanglwood, especially along our streets and nature trails. Named after the Greek god of medicine, Aesculapius, this species of plant has been used since ancient times for many medicinal purposes. The beautiful pink flowers attract many pollinators, including the endangered monarch butterfly who depends solely on this plant for its survival. Planting and maintaining patches of milkweed on your property will benefit many pollinators, but especially the monarch. Milkweed can become afflicted with milkweed beetles, an orange and black insect that does exist in our area. If your milkweed has beetles, please do not spray the plant, but instead put on gloves and just pick off the beetles and put them into a soapy water solution to kill them. If you already have milkweed growing on your property, try not to pull it as a weed, but instead enjoy viewing all the butterflies and other pollinators that will feed on its beautiful flowers.
One common invasive plant that exists in Tanglwood is the Japanese Barberry, Berberis thunbergii. This lowgrowing reddish or green bush is full of thorns and deer do not eat it. Birds do eat the non-nourishing red berries, however, and spread the seeds everywhere. The plant is highly invasive and is quickly spreading and crowding out native plants in our area. Also, studies have shown that areas with lots of barberry also have larger tick populations.[2] If you’ve ever tried to prune one of these plants, you know the painful bite its many thorns can give. Although it is tempting to purchase this bush (it is readily available in all garden centers), try instead to remove the existing barberry plants and replace them with native species like Mountain Laurel, rhododendron, or blueberry. The days ahead give us many opportunities to enjoy the woodlands around us. Take a walk with family and friends or explore by yourself. Go slowly and tread lightly. Teach the children and each other about the benefits of being surrounded by native species and begin to recognize the joys of becoming stewards of our nature-filled neighborhood. [1] https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/12/12/15026 [2] https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/GoodNatured/Pages/Article.aspx?post=116 Image Credits: Mountain Laurel: Creative Commons - Mountain Laurel (1292338417).jpg Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed: Susan K. Harrison Milkweed Beetle: Rob Reiter | Barberry Berries: Creative Commons - 2006-10-22Berberis03-02.jpg
Plumbing • Heating • Air Conditioning • Fuel Oil Family owned since 1937
Residential Energy Savings Agreement - Ask about oil discounts with the Total Comfort Plan Heating System (oil and propane) maintenance Heating System design, replacement, service Plumbing service Water heater service and installs (tank & tankless) Seasonal home winterizations 24 Hour emergency service Oil tank replacement Automatic oil delivery Discounted budget / payment plans
805 Church St • Hawley, PA 570.226.4823 www.paupackfuel.com PA002918
TANGLWOOD LAKES | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
PAGE 11
