If you’re anything like me, pesky invasive trees and plants can drive you crazy! But you don’t have to wait until spring to tackle invasive species removal projects. Here are some effective tips that MetroParks’ Senior Natural Resources and Conservation Manager, Joe Dumyahn, shared with me that homeowners can use to clear their yards or gardens of unwanted, non-native plants.

What are Invasive Plants?

Invasive/introduced plants are not native to the southwest Ohio region. These plants are harmful because they spread prolifically and outcompete native species for water, sunlight and space. This can lead to a drop in local biodiversity, and negatively impact other plants and animals that rely on native species for survival. MetroParks of Butler County’s Natural Resources and Conservation team works diligently to remove invasive species from the parks, which is a never-ending job!

Controlling Invasive Plants at Home

Invasive species don’t just pop up in the parks. Homeowners are likely to encounter invasive plants on their properties, too. Autumn is a good time to start to get on top of invasive species in your yards. The best time to remove invasive plants is before they go to seed in late fall. Many invasive species enter into a state of dormancy in autumn which can make them easier to manage. As they prepare for winter, their energy is redirected from growth to survival, so they may be less vigorous and more susceptible to removal techniques. Another bonus is that the fall often brings increased rainfall which can help soften the soil making the pulling of invasives easier.  

Common invasive species that can be removed now are:

• Callery Pear, Bush Honeysuckle, Multiflora Rose, or Japanese Barberry: remove the plant by hand pulling or cut off at ground level and treat the stump with herbicide to ensure it doesn’t regrow. Herbicides are needed to eradicate these plants, glyphosate is the most effective.
• Vines like English Ivy or Wisteria: cut back now and focus on removing their roots to prevent further growth.
• Japanese Knotweed: cut back now and bag it for disposal. Be cautious with this plant, as fragments can root and regrow.

Take It Slow

Don’t get overwhelmed! Removing invasive species is a long and laborious process. Try and focus on one part of your property at a time, and don’t expect to be able to remove everything all at once. Your sanity (and your back), will thank you!

Replanting and Upkeep

You’ve cleared out an area of invasive plants. Now what? Well, fall can be a good time to plant. If you want to replace any of the non-native plants you just removed, check out the list of alternative trees and shrubs on the Ohio Invasive Plants Council website. Their website also offers resources and best management practices for invasive species in Ohio. FREE native seeds are available at the Three Valley Conservation Trust Seed Libraries at Voice of America MetroPark and Timberman Ridge MetroPark.

In the spring, check the areas where you removed invasives for regrowth and apply follow-up treatments or pull any new growth or seedlings.

I Missed the Fall Invasive Removal Season, What Now?

It’s not too late. You can still remove the non-native plant and dispose of it. If it had gone to seed, you may want to check (and re-check) that area in the spring for regrowth. Bagging the plants for disposal may help prevent further spread. 

Additional Information and Resources:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Invasive Plants
The Ohio Invasive Plants Council
The US Forest Service
The City of Hamilton’s Urban Forestry Department
Butler Soil and Water Conservation District

Volunteer with MetroParks of Butler County and gain hands-on experience with removing invasive species! Email Manager of Volunteer Resources Daniel Clepper at dclepper@yourmetorparks.net to get started.

About the Author:

Amy Pellman is MetroParks of Butler County’s Executive Assistant.