Resources: Controlling Invasive Plants

These links are just a few of the resources available to everyone who wants to learn how to identify, control, and prevent invasives.

Well-funded research on invasive plant and animal species is ongoing across the USA, and so the body of information about invasives is constantly evolving.  Because of this, BARC will be looking to update this page about twice a year.  

General Information and guidelines

Mass.Gov – Invasive Plants

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/invasive-plants

Excellent starting point for research.  

Mass.Gov - Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-prohibited-plant-list

Mass.Gov - Best management practices for invasive species

Highway Division, Massachusetts Department of Transportation

https://www.mass.gov/lists/best-management-practices-for-invasive-species

The Evaluation of Non-Native Plant Species for Invasiveness in Massachusetts

PDF file.  Comprehensive list from Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group

https://ma-bedford.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/973/Official-Invasive-Plant-List-PDF

Mass.Gov - List of Current and Potential Aquatic Invasive Species

Department of Conservation & Recreation, DCR Division of Water Supply Protection

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/list-of-current-and-potential-aquatic-invasive-species

USDA National Invasive Species Information Center

List of Massachusetts invasive species

https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/resources/search?f%5B0%5D=location%3A106&f%5B1%5D=subject%3A268

Best practices – removal and control

Town of Weston – Appendix A Invasive Plant Control

Guidelines for best practices for control of invasives in our area.  Aimed at a typical homeowner.  

https://www.westonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29755/Appendix-A--B-Invasive-Plant-Control-and-Trail-Maintenance-PDF

Native Plant Trust –

Controlling Invasives

https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/conservation/invasive/

Rich information on native plant species research, a Tool Kit, and a handout for best eradication practices

Invasive Plants: Identification, Documentation, and Control

https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/invasive-plants-identification-documentation-and-control-sept2024/?highlight=invasive%20plants

Trees and Vines

Asian bittersweet, English ivy, and other invasive vines will eventually kill trees.  Here are links on how to control these plants and help preserve trees. 

The Best Method For Removing Invasive Vines From Your Tree

https://www.housedigest.com/1484151/best-method-remove-invasive-vines-from-trees/

Why it’s important to remove vines from your trees

Homeowners are often unsure of what to do about large vines growing on their trees. A couple of small vines near the roots shouldn’t be a problem, but when a trunk and branches are covered in climbing vines, it can be harmful to the tree

https://www.nashvilletreeconservationcorps.org/treenews/what-to-do-about-vines-growing-on-your-tree

How to Kill Vines on Trees Without Causing Damage

https://petrarcalandcare.com/2022/12/28/how-kill-vines-on-trees/