Invasive Species Control and Forest Restoration Projects

Invasive species are plants that are not native to the local ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the environment, human health, and/or the economy (US Executive Order 131112). Broadly speaking, here in Charlottesville, we can think of non-native plants as those that are not originally from the Northern Virginia Piedmont Region. 

Invasive species are a significant problem because they:

• Have a negative impact on our native flora and fauna.
• Outcompete native plants, making it difficult for them to grow 
• Reduce biodiversity.
• Fail to nourish local wildlife that depend on native vegetation.
• Climb trees and kill them by strangling them or adding so much weight that they break apart.
• Destroy the many benefits of an extensive tree canopy.
• Alter fire and hydrological cycles.
• Act as seed banks spreading the problem far and wide.

In the Fall of 2023, Parks and Recreation initiated an ambitious forest restoration plan to eradicate invasive species, to liberate (where possible) mature trees from strangling vines, and to replant trees in newly cleared areas. Since fall of 2023, invasive species control and forest restoration projects have been carried out in a number of City parks as noted below in Table 1.

Table 1: City Properties, Management Treatments for Invasive Species Removal, Tract Size (Acres), and Number of Seedlings/Saplings Planted in 2023-2024

The dramatic results of two of these reforestation projects are evident in the photographic sequences below.

Learn how you can help combat invasive species in Charlottesville. For more information about invasive species and volunteer opportunities, please check out the following resources and organizations:

• Blue Ridge Prism (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management)
• Invasive.org: Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
• The Nature Conservancy - Invasive Species: What You Can Do
• Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards
• Rivanna Conservation Alliance

In the Fall 2023, Parks and Recreation initiated an ambitious forest restoration initiative to manage invasive species in select locations throughout the city.  The overarching goal for these projects has been to increase tree canopy by removing invasive vines from mature trees (liberating trees on management sites and preserving the trees we have) and removing invasive shrubs/small trees/vines from a growth space so replacement trees and native groundcovers can become established (planting trees that will contribute to increased tree canopy).  

Management plans were created for each individual management area (park/easement), each with specific timelines and objectives.  In general, management objectives for each management area included: 

1. Control/contain invasive vegetation on urban forestland along Rivanna Trail to eliminate seed sources and provide conducive environment for replacement vegetation.
2. Restore native vegetation. 
3. Preservation of water quality and stream bank integrity.
4. Enhance existing wildlife habitat.
5. Preserve/enhance recreational integrity of property.
6. Public Education (regarding invasive plant ecology, wildlife enhancement, outdoor recreation, and site restoration).

Table 1: Table showing number of acres restored using forestry mulcher or goat browse, park/easement treated, treatment method, and number of trees planted. Important to note that several hundred pounds of warm-season grasses were installed at these project sites in addition to native forbs and wildflowers. 

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, abbreviated “SLF”) is an invasive insect first found in the United States near Philadelphia in 2014. It has migrated throughout the eastern U.S. and made its way into Virginia in 2018. They can infest a variety of agricultural crops and trees, but in urban and suburban areas, the preferred host tree for this insect is the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which itself is invasive. Although this insect is destructive to the tree-of-heaven, and can harm other trees, there are no health risks to humans from the insects (no stinging or biting). Through their feeding, they create a sticky residue called “honeydew,” which contributes to the growth of a dark fungus called sooty mold. This is also harmless to humans but may accumulate on cars or patios.

What is the City of Charlottesville Doing About Spotted Lanternflies? 

• The City is not currently considering insecticide treatment due to the uncertainty of success and excessive costs; however, we may treat limited high-value trees if deemed necessary.
• Although we would like to remove all tree-of-heaven trees immediately, attempting to do so would not be operationally or financially feasible. If we receive calls about SLF or tree-of-heaven in the public right-of-way, we plan to manage each situation on a case-by-case basis and evaluate the tree’s health and potential risk of failure.
• Trees will be removed based on the recommendation of the City’s Urban Forester after an evaluation of the tree’s risk and potential hazards.
• The City does not endorse or encourage the use of traps to reduce SLF numbers. Sticky traps can also harm beneficial insects and other animals.

How to Manage SLF at Home:

• Learn about SLF. The Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offer resources for learning about SLF in Virginia.
• Remove egg masses. SLF eggs are laid in the fall, and can be found on tree branches, trunks, rocks, and even outdoor furniture. They are brown in color, about 1-2” long, and ¾” wide, and appear as patches of mud. Scraping and destroying each egg mass can eliminate 30-50 eggs.  Killing adults and nymphs may be helpful, but removing SLF eggs is probably a more productive option.
• If homeowners have questions or concerns about controlling spotted lanternfly on private property, we recommend they contact an I.S.A. Certified Arborist for evaluation, diagnosis, and management recommendations.  
• There is no longer a need to report SLF sightings.
• Do not use pesticides at home unless you comply with all state and federal laws and apply products according to the label’s instructions.

 https://www.ento.vt.edu/4-H_Entomology/SpottedLanternfly.html

https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml