Top Invasive Trees We are Fighting Against in Zone 6b, Greenfield Township Ohio

I always knew that invasive species were a thing growing up in the south. Down there kudzu was our greatest enemy. It grew on anything and everything. We would have neighborhood burn parties and send out the goats. More often than not, it would come right back. So of course, when moving to Ohio, I felt relief when I saw that trees and shrubs were able to breathe. What I didn't realize though was that some of those were also invasive. Gross.

Up until September of 2024, I never really gave much thought into the invasive plant life of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Everywhere we lived we didn't have much of a yard so what difference could I make? When visiting the land that we are stewarding now, my heart sank. It was overgrown and felt abandoned. I look back on this TedTalk with Justin Grubb where he mentions the american lawn is a place of forgotten impact. How wildlife has been displaced and even erased all for the sake of home development and turf grass. It sparked a vision when looking across the acreage... this american lawn could become a biodiverse ecosystem, a native space where wildlife could thrive for generations.

Once we got the keys, I knew it was time to get started. First things first... tree surveying. On the land the classics are present. A few mountainous walnuts, elms, bald cypress, and oaks, but the invasive species greatly outnumbered. In the last year we have taken down over 80 established trees and saplings. Cutting at the base, treating, drilling burr holes, and even burning. It's not easy but we have already seen an impact and are eager to keep going.

So what are the invasive trees and shrubs are we removing?

Callery Pears: INVASIVE & ILLEGAL

Did you know this tree is illegal to even plant in Ohio? If only the tree knew that so it could stop repopulating. It was brought into the states from Asia in the 1900's as a tree that was "sterile" and was great for shade, flowering, and fast growing. But sure enough, mother nature is meant to grow and the callery pear adapted and can now cross pollinate to spread.

From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), "Callery pear is often found in disturbed sites and is especially noticeable along roadways and in old fields. As it is a common landscaping tree, planting of Callery pear continues the dispersal of seed and escape into natural areas. Leaves are arranged alternately and have a rounded shape. The margin is finely serrated with a distinctly wavy texture. The top of the leaf is a dark, rich green. White flowers are densely clustered with five petals. The blooms typically have a strong, unpleasant aroma, often likened to rotting fish."

In this area, we cut down and brush hogged 2 acres worth of invasive species. We waited during the sweet spot of post-fledging season and fall growth to do it. The biggest trees to come down were callery pears, but also the next invasive on the list... russian olive.

Russian Olive: Pretty but Pretty Terrible to have Around

I was slightly disappointed when I learned that the bushy, silvery leaf trees that almost mimicked eucalyptus were an invasive species. However, once I started to cut back these monstrosities, I discovered they were a chokehold to the trees you actually want. It can handle the worst kinds of dirt and thrives by sucking nutrients from surrounding plants. So off with their heads!

Here's a guide to identifying them thanks to tOSU Agriculture

Multiflora Rose: Ohio's most widespread invasive species

This stuff is no joke. It has such a pretty name but there isn't anything pretty about it. It is a shrub that can grow up to 15ft tall AND WIDE. It has thorns, vines that aren't easy to break, and is active from May to October. Not to mention it's invasive and present in all 88 counties in Ohio.

On the land, it covers a lot of norway spruce trees and entrance to the creekbed. Not to mention the base of a lot of our tallest trees. It has been very satisfying clearing it to make the creek and other dwelling spots more accessible.

Lastly, Canada Thistle: Not a tree or shrub, just annoying and widespread

During my wedding photography years, blue thistle was a stable in every floral arrangement. It's color and dimension elevated every scene. For our yards, canada thistle does the exact opposite.

These can grow up to 3ft tall, have prickly leaves and flower heads, and can spread like wildfire. So far we have cleared about 50% of them from the property and fully intend to remove the rest before next Spring!

Other popular invasive species that might be in your backyard

• Tree-of-Heaven

• Norway Maple

• Princess Tree

• White Mulberry

Invasive species can look pretty but have such terrible intentions and outcomes if not managed properly. It's something that takes time and effort to remove but once done, has an outcome that is rewarding for both you and local wildlife. By removing invasive species, we are able to create room to grow native plants that welcome and support animals of all kinds.

Our best example? Three weeks after the removal of 90% of the invasive overgrowth in the left field, we got to hear the calls of a native Bob White. Not one that was raised in captivity and released, but an organic, wild, quail that sounded beautiful. We successfully got video of the spotting and informed the local and state wildlife organization.

We have to start somewhere and we are excited about our start.

See more invasive plants, trees, and shrubs, along with their descriptions and history at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.

Interested in partnering up to revitalize your land for native wildlife? Contact us! We'd love to share more and chat about opportunities!