Invasive Plant Removal in Pennsylvania: What Works and What Doesn’t
If you’ve owned land in Pennsylvania for more than a few years, you’ve probably fought some kind of invasive plant. Bamboo, multiflora rose, honeysuckle, and tree-of-heaven are just a few of the aggressive species that spread quickly and choke out native vegetation.
At Kerr Forestry, we specialize in mechanical removal of invasive plants using forestry mulching and follow-up treatments. Whether you’re trying to comply with a township ordinance, restore habitat, or just take back your backyard, here’s what you need to know about invasive plant removal — and why digging or spraying often isn’t enough.
1. What Makes a Plant “Invasive”?
Invasive plants are species that are not native to the area and spread aggressively, often without any natural predators or controls. They crowd out native plants, reduce biodiversity, and can even damage property values or block access to land.
Common invasives we deal with in PA include:
Running bamboo
Tree-of-heaven (host plant for spotted lanternfly)
Multiflora rose
Japanese honeysuckle
Autumn olive
Oriental bittersweet vines
Some of these are classified as noxious weeds or are regulated by local townships, meaning landowners are required to control or remove them.
2. Why Digging Isn’t Always the Best Option
Many people believe that invasive removal means hiring an excavator to dig everything out. While that might seem thorough, it often causes more harm than good:
Destroys soil structure
Leaves behind root fragments that regrow
Requires large equipment and access
Creates huge disposal piles or holes to refill
Unless you’re preparing for construction, excavation is often overkill — and it’s expensive.
3. Why Forestry Mulching Works Better for Many Jobs
Mechanical forestry mulching offers a faster, more cost-effective way to suppress invasives:
Shreds brush and small trees in place
Disrupts root crowns to slow regrowth
Leaves behind a mulch layer that reduces erosion
No need for hauling, burning, or pile removal
For bamboo, we often do an initial mulching pass to knock it down and expose rhizomes (underground runners). Then we follow up with scheduled suppression treatments over the next 12–24 months. This prevents regrowth and gradually exhausts the plant's energy.
4. Control Is a Process — Not a One-Time Job
Many invasive plants can’t be fully eradicated in one visit. The key is understanding the life cycle of the plant and attacking it at the right time. For example:
Tree-of-heaven resprouts aggressively — so follow-up cutting is critical
Bamboo regrows from rhizomes — repeated mulching weakens the stand
Vines and brush often return unless disturbed at the base repeatedly
That’s why we offer custom suppression schedules — usually 2–4 visits over 12–24 months — to keep the growth under control long-term.
5. Don’t Use Chemicals as a First Resort
Herbicides can work on invasives — but they come with downsides:
Kill everything, including desirable plants
Risk of groundwater or soil contamination
Delays in replanting or restoration
May not reach deep root systems if applied improperly
Mechanical control is often the safer, cleaner, and more community-friendly approach, especially if you’re working near homes, water, or sensitive areas.
6. Restoration Is the Missing Step Most Contractors Skip
Killing invasive plants is only half the battle. Once the area is cleared, you should replant or reseed to encourage healthy vegetation to take over. Otherwise, guess what grows back? More invasives.
We offer grass seeding, soil prep, and native restoration services to help stabilize cleared areas and prevent erosion. Whether it’s temporary rye or a long-term wildflower mix, planting something is better than leaving bare ground.
7. Work With a Company That Knows the Local Landscape
Different counties and townships in Pennsylvania have their own rules when it comes to invasive plants — especially bamboo. Some require removal before a property can be sold. Others fine homeowners who allow it to spread.
At Kerr Forestry, we’ve worked directly with townships and HOAs to develop removal plans that meet legal requirements without destroying property in the process. If you’re being cited for bamboo or want to proactively address a problem, we can help you make a plan.
Wrap-Up: The Right Tools Make All the Difference
Invasive plant removal doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right equipment, the right schedule, and a restoration plan, you can reclaim your land and prevent future problems. Whether it’s a quarter-acre backyard or a 10-acre woodlot, we’ve got the tools and experience to handle it.
Contact us today for an invasive plant removal consultation.
Let’s take back your land — and keep it that way.
