Invasive plant species are being discussed more and more but understanding what they are and what to do about them in our home gardens can be confusing. Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Alyssa Ford Morel explains what invasive plants are, why they are worth doing something about, and take a closer look at invasive plants frequently found in Northern Virginia home yards. She also discusses removal strategies and offer suggestions for non-invasive plants to replace them.
Zoom session, recorded August 5, 2022
Chapter Breaks
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 04:08 What is an invasive?
- 10:31 Characteristics of an Invasive Plant
- 24:06 Can a Non-Native Plant Become a Native With Enough Time?
- 27:48 How to Know What Plants are Invasive
- 30:20 How You Can Keep Out or Get Rid of Invasives in Your Yard
- 35:55 Questions
- 43:26 Invasives That Just Show Up
- 1:18:42 Questions
- 1:24:21 Invasives You (or a Previous Owner) Thought You Wanted
- 1:50:34 The Ones You Really Love
- 1:56:54 Final Thoughts
Partnering With Pollinators Resources
Addendum
A question was asked if I know of any programs to remove Callery Pears. I did find an article about removing them from a median in Vienna, Virginia
- Trompeter, Brian. 20. 2021. Vienna officials decide to remove pear trees from median. Inside Nova.
https://www.insidenova.com/news/fairfax/vienna-officials-decide-to-remove-pear-trees-from-median/article_303d6c3a-5c1a-11ec-8cba-c3be12945b08.html
I also spoke with Arlington County’s Invasives Coordinator Jennnifer Soles, who said that while the County doesn’t have a Callery-specific program, they are part of the general invasive removal efforts in wild spaces. While large, mature trees fall outside of what invasive removal crews usually tackle, any younger Callery pear will be routinely removed. She also works with County facilities that have Callery or Bradford Pears as part of their landscaping to develop a plan to replace the pear trees. She also hopes for a future program in which homeowners who document removal of Callery or Bradford Pears get prioritized for a free replacement native tree.