Dear Property Owner,

Chinese Tallow, or Popcorn trees, are considered a noxious pest in Southeastern ecosystems. Up to now, our attempts to treat tallow trees have been restricted to the individual efforts of a few property owners. In an effort to beautify our neighborhood with natural vegetation and restrict invasive plant species from increasingly propagating, we offer the following information to homeowners.

Here is a link to a short 4-minute video, which explains the necessity and methods of treating Chinese Tallow:

http://www.vimeo.com/6492588

Here are some frequently asked questions:

I like the tallow, why do I have to get rid of it?

• The South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council lists tallow tree as a “severe threat”.

• After habitat destruction, invasive-exotic species are the biggest threat to biodiversity.

• It is a very aggressive invasive; mature trees produce abundant fall fruit that is spread through bird droppings.

• It is an aggressive colonizer of damp habitats and out-competes many native species such as Marshmallow and Willow. Tallow trees have a high water demand during the growing season, causing dewatering of depression wetlands that would otherwise be more open and retain more moisture and surface water for longer duration.

• Dewatering of wetlands significantly reduces the biodiversity of amphibians, aquatic insects, water-dependent wildlife and associated plants.

• Seeds remain viable in the leaf litter and soils for many years.

• After disturbances from hurricanes and fires, tallow trees are quick to germinate during the first growing season and out-compete native vegetation.

• Fallen leaves from tallow tree produce soil chemicals that promote germination of Chinese Tallow tree seeds, this leads to tallow tree dominance.

What will we plant instead?

Nothing is required. Tallow trees typically invade open wetland areas by crowding out native wildflowers, grasses, and willow trees. Once the tallow trees are removed native plants will begin to grow. If privacy is desired between lots then plants from the approved list can be installed. A nursery can be contacted to help select plantings.

Who will clean up the dead trees?

Nature. Tallow trees rot very quickly. Dead trees are valuable for wildlife. If they do not pose a safety hazard then no clean-up is necessary.

Clearcast herbicide may be used to treat the tallowtrees. This herbicide is not organic but environmentally friendly. Currently there is no organic method to treat large numbers of tallow trees like we have in Beresford Hall. If we only had a few tallow trees, organic methods might be possible. The Environmental Protection Bureau has studied this issue in other areas similar to our neighborhood and approved the eradication of tallow trees and the use of non-organic herbicide. The tallow trees in Beresford Hall pose a bigger ecological threat than the use of the chemical to treat them.



For further information you may contact Ziggy Clayton, 102 White Salt Ln. (864) 706-3433