- About Rockville
- Environment and Sustainability
- Backyard Habitats for Climate Resiliency
- Remove Non-Native Invasive Plants
Remove Non-Native Invasive Plants
Non-native invasive (NNI) plants are introduced, either purposefully or accidentally, into a new area where they lack the natural relationships and predators that keep them in check. NNI spread rapidly from man-made settings into the wild where they displace native plants, destroy wildlife habitat, and drastically alter our parks, forests, and stream valleys, making them less resilient to the effects of climate change.
You Can Help Manage Non-Native Invasive Plants
1. Don't Plant Non-Native InvasivesBefore planting something in your yard or sharing plants with neighbors, check the resources below to make sure it isn't on a non-native invasive list. Plant native trees and flowers instead to help local birds and butterflies. Image: Porcelainberry is a non-native vine that covers and shades out native shrubs and trees in Rockville. | |
2. Remove Non-Native Invasives from Your PropertyRemoval methods depend on the type of plant and its growing cycle. Use the resource links below to identify and find the best removal method for a particular plant. Avoid spreading seeds and berries from invasive plants as you remove them and don't dump yard waste in streams, parks or other public areas. Not only does this increase the spread of non-native invasive plants, but it contributes to drainage issues, flooding and pollution in local streams. Image: Cutting a "window" is a removal technique that can help save trees from English ivy. Learn more about removing English ivy. | |
3. Volunteer in Rockville ParkJoin volunteer leaders for a public workday to help restore local biodiversity and remove non-native invasive plants from Rockville parks. Find event dates at rockvillemd.gov/weedwarriors. |
Visit the Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior Program for details on non-native invasive training, certification, and Montgomery Parks removal events. The Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior training and certification requires that you commit to removing invasive species in Montgomery Parks, not just the City of Rockville.