Updated Controlling Invasive Plants

BARC encourages everyone to combat invasive plant species in our community.  Whether you are in your own back yard, or working in a group to clear a stretch on a trail, every little bit helps. 

“Each year, thousands of acres of forests, prairies, deserts, and aquatic areas are destroyed or weakened by aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. Invasive species impacts cost the American economy billions of dollars each year.”

-- US Forestry Service 

Invasive plant species are problematic precisely because there are no quick or easy control solutions.  

Education is the best preparation.


Safety First! Check guidelines for working around poison ivy while you combat invasive plants.

Visit our links page for information on:


How to identify invasive plant species

  • Many invasive species have a native look-alike.  
  • More invasive species appear each year.  
  • Learn what is in your backyard and how it propagates.  

Best practices for control

  • Many invasive plants are difficult to control without harming our environment or other native species.  
  • Some measures are counter-intuitive.  What works for the average dandelion may not work on an invasive plant, or may actually propagate the invasive.
  • Seek out the latest research and recommendations for combatting each species.
  • Some treatments are time sensitive, and vary by species.  For example:
    • Pulling garlic mustard in April is best, before it blooms and sets seed.  
    • Cutting glossy buckthorn in late summer is effective if the stump is painted with glyphosate.  

The importance of persistence - Keep at it!  

  • Some invasive plant species require a few years of effort to control.  
  • Some invasive plant species re-seed readily.  
  • Dispose of invasive plant material carefully
  • Monitor the site and be ready to take out new growth.  

Asian Bittersweet

Asian Bittersweet

Garlic Mustard

Garlic Mustard