Reduce Your Stormwater: Invasive Plant Removal

Invasive plants are species intentionally or accidentally introduced into a region in which they did not evolve and cause harm ecologically, economically, or to human health. These species didn’t originate in the local environment and therefore don’t have natural safeguards to help keep them in check. For additional details, please refer to Executive Orders 13112 (1999) and 13751 (2016).

Benefits of removing invasive plants

Promote diversity – Remove invasive plants that tend toward monoculture; without invasive plants, native plants can maximize their growth potential, increase biodiversity and establish ecosystem resiliency.
Improves soil health – Native plants have roots that grow deeper than invasive plants and improve soil stability, decrease erosion, and uptake water and nutrients more efficiently.

Invasive Plant Quick Facts

Approximately 42% of threatened or endangered plants are at risk due to non-native, invasive plant species (Source: Invasive.org).	Economists have estimated that all invasive species – plants, animals and diseases – cause $120 billion in losses each year (Pimentel et al. 2005).
Photo source: forestfoundation.org	Economists have estimated that all invasive species – plants, animals and diseases – cause $120 billion in losses each year (Pimentel et al. 2005).
Kudzu is an aggressive vine, and once established, a mature plant is capable of growing up to 26 cm (a little less than 1 ft.) a day (Source: Kudzu article by Nature Conservancy).	Photo source: nature.org

Why Should I Care About Invasive Plants?

I am a logger or forester. Why should I care about invasive species?
I am a hunter. Why should I care about invasive species?
I am a hiker, biker, camper or outdoor enthusiast. Why should I care about invasive species?
I am a gardener. Why should I care about invasive species?
I am a fisherman or boater. Why should I care about invasive species?
I am a bird watcher. Why should I care about invasive species?
I am a rancher or farmer. Why should I care about invasive species?

What Can I Do?

An invasive plant infestation is like a slow-motion explosion, which left unchecked, may severely alter a site’s natural beauty and economic contributions. Management of invasive species can appear to be a complicated and unending task (VA DCR).

Be aware! Choose natives when possible and avoid transmitting an invasive plant.
Educate yourself! Know how to spot invasive plants and manage them on your personal property.
No dumping! Do not empty aquariums or dump houseplants into the wild.
Practice proper habitats! Clean your shoes and brush off your clothes after returning from an area with invasive plants.
Speak up! If you suspect a plant is invasive, report it to your local county extension agent or to other federal or state natural resource or agricultural agencies.
Volunteer! Join Invasive Species Task Force events or become involved with organizations that control invasive plants.

How Do I Remove Invasive Plants?

Manually – Remove plants by hand. It is easier when the soil is damp or wet. As an example, learn how to remove English Ivy.
Mechanically – Utilize a tool for cutting or mowing.
Chemically – Contact a contractor for herbicide services; consult a certified herbicide applicator. Learn more in this video from the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Biological control – Find a local contractor that utilize green methods (e.g. goats).
Culturally; behavior changes – Educate your neighbors about the benefits of managing invasive plants

Find native plants best suited for your needs through the Native Plant Center.