Proper Disposal of Garlic Mustard

As you weed your garden remember that how you dispose of invasive plants is important to keep the plants from spreading.  

The Village of Whitefish Bay has guidelines for proper disposal of plants such as garlic mustard.  Below we are reprinting an article published by the Village in Bay Leaves several years ago.


GARLIC MUSTARD
WHAT DO I DO IF I FIND GARLIC MUSTARD IN MY YARD?
Garlic Mustard is an invasive species and Whitefish Bay has the perfect climate for these plants to survive. If these plants are left to grow they will spread into lawns, gardens, and wooded areas and choke out the existing vegetation.
If you spot garlic mustard on your property, please hand pull it out of the ground. It is best to remove the plant when the soil is damp and before it begins to flower. Throw the entire plant including the root ball in a heavy clear plastic garbage bag and close it up. If you have a small amount you can put it into a small clear plastic bag and into your garbage container. If you have a large amount, put it into a heavy plastic garbage bag and label it garlic mustard. Leave the bag next to your garbage cans. Our garbage collectors will pick it up with your weekly trash. Please do not put the garlic mustard in yard waste or your compost pile. Yard waste is composted and the garlic mustard will contaminate the compost and further spread. Cutting the plant is not recommended as it has to be done at a certain period of time or the plant will re- sprout.
If you want to learn more about garlic mustard please visit the DNR website at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/invasives/fact/garlicmustard.html
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QUESTIONS REGARDING THE DISPOSAL OF GARLIC MUSTARD CAN BE DIRECTED TO ENGINEER@WFBVILLAGE.ORG.