There will always be opposition to whenever anyones tries to be different, though planting non-native species of trees or other plants can stir emotions amongst the conservatives.
It’s certainly true that some non-native species have gotten out of control, and or bad for the environment. This is generally a very localised issue, i.e. this non-native plants aren’t an issue in their native environments or in other similar environments where plants, animals and insects can cope with them and keep them in check.
So often though there is a dogmatic backlash to non-native species whatever their genus with a complete disregard for the their potential benefits.
Due to the history of Ireland, particularly in the North West, including where I stay in County Clare, there is even hostility to trees period 😧 which is a shame as there are so many potential benefits.
Fast growing Eucalyptus in particular could replace the unsustainable, environmentally damaging fossil fuel currently burn in fires and stoves as heating.
I’ve burnt what is called “turf’ which is dried out peat harvested from raised bogs and in comparison with higher BTU hardwood Eucalyptus; I know which I would choose, “Eucalyptus” 😉
I planted my Eucalyptus mini forest about five years ago now and its grown quickly, capturing carbon in the process. A couple of years ago I started planting Paulownia, which are considered to be one of the best trees in the world for capturing carbon.
As I say in the video, rather than being an issue for the native species and habitat, the non-native Eucalyptus and Paulownia have been beneficial, adding both habitats and food for pollinating insects.
Here’s the link to NASA sea level rise information.
Its worth taking a look, very interesting 😧
