Forests & Parks Invasive Plant Control

Eliminating Threats to Native Plant Life in Forests and Parks

Invasive species are a significant concern for people interested in conserving our area’s forests, meadows, fish and wildlife. In an effort to preserve the natural beauty of these areas, Green Giant has developed specialized processes for treating invasive plant species. This way, balance within the ecosystem can be restored and native plants can continue to thrive.

 

 

 

Invasive Honeysuckle

Invasive Japanese Honeysuckle has completely crowded out and taken over this woodland edge in a municipal park near Allentown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kudzu

Invasive Kudzu vines are completely smothering and choking every native plant in this picture.  Kudzu was introduced from China in 1876 to control soil erosion. This is an unintended consequence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest with Japanese Stiltgrass

This picture near Shillington shows a forest floor that has been taken over by invasive Japanese Stiltgrass. Notice how the native undergrowth is completely gone. It was wiped out by the invasive Stiltgrass. Forests floors are not supposed to look like a lawn. Picture below shows what the forest floor should look like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Native, Healthy Forest Floor

This picture was taken about 20 feet from the picture above. This is what the under-growth in our forests should look like. The Stiltgrass has not yet reached this area but, if it is not controlled, this area’s natural understory will also be overtaken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wide Variety of Invasives

This woodland edge in Wyomissing is dominated by multiple invasive plants including: Alanthus or Tree of Heaven (red fall color), Porcelain Berry (climbing and smothering trees to the left), Invasive Japanese Honeysuckle and Poison Ivy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to read our guide on Invasive Plant Control.

 

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