Some unwelcome invaders also emerge early in the spring, producing early foliage and an unnatural shade competing with our native plants. Several woody invasive plants have moved into our woodlands from ornamental and other plantings and now compete aggressively with our natives. These include Asian bush honeysuckles, privets, winged burning bush, and multiflora rose. These plants tend to produce foliage faster than most of our native trees and shrubs, proving them with a competitive advantage through a longer growing season. This early leaf emergence also provides us with an opportunity to identify these invaders in our woodlands. When walking out to observe the wildflowers or hunt for morels, keep your eyes open for the invasive plants. Small specimens can be pulled when soils are moist. Larger specimens may be cut and the stump treated with a herbicide to prevent sprouting. An easy and effective herbicide to access for landowners is glyphosate concentrate products mixed at a 50% ratio with water. Apply this mixture to the cut stump immediately after cutting. Read the herbicide label to understand the protective gear and application instructions required to apply safely.

If you have a large infestation that is beyond your capacity to control, consider contacting a local forester or other natural resources professional for advice on how best to deal with your invasive plant problem. You may contact the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry for advice from the District Forester.  Private-sector foresters and environmental groups along with contractors, may also be able to help you manage invasive species on your property. To find a private-sector forester visit www.findindianaforester.org.

You can find environmental groups and contractors, and additional information on invasives at the Indiana Invasive Species Council website. The State of Indiana Cooperative Invasive Species Management helps organize local resources to help landowners ID and effectively manage invasive species. Purdue Extension has many invasive species resource publications and videos that can help with identification and management.

Controlling invasive plants can bring a sense of satisfaction, knowing you are doing something to promote the health and sustainability of your property.

To view more Got Nature? posts on Invasive Species:
What are invasive species and why should I care?
Invasive Species: the Good News and the Bad News

Resources
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, video, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Indiana DNR Division of Forestry
Indiana Invasive Species Council
State of Indiana Cooperative Invasive Species Management
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMapS, Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Invasive Plant Series: Winged Burning Bush, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Burning Bush Video, The Education Store
Question: What is the best management process with cut invasive brush tops?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Control Management of Poison Hemlock, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources