Invasive Species Management During Land Clearing: Identifying and Controlling Problematic Plants on Long Island Properties

Turn Your Land Clearing Project Into an Environmental Victory Against Invasive Species

When property owners on Long Island embark on land clearing projects, they’re presented with a unique opportunity to combat one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges: invasive species management. The annual U.S. cost from invasives is estimated to be $120 Billion, with more than 100 Million acres affected, and a NASA report placed the economic cost of invasive species in the United States between $100 Billion and $200 Billion. For Long Island property owners, proper invasive species identification and control during land clearing can transform what might seem like a simple clearing project into a meaningful contribution to local ecosystem health.

Understanding the Invasive Species Challenge on Long Island

Invasive plants like porcelain-berry, mile-a-minute and multiflora rose are blanketing our landscape, overtaking native plants and trees and choking them to death. The Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) works to reduce the threat of invasive species throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. According to the New York State Invasive Species Task Force, an invasive species is a plant or animal that is (1) non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and (2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. The 12% or so of non-native species that are invasive wreak havoc on our land and water, devastating wildlife habitat and ecosystems.

In 2007, Nassau and Suffolk Counties became the first Counties in New York State to take a key step in slowing the spread of invasive species by outlawing the sale, transport, distribution, and propagation of 63 invasive plant species. This regulatory framework provides property owners with clear guidance on which species require immediate attention during land clearing operations.

Key Invasive Species to Identify During Land Clearing

During Land Clearing projects, property owners should be particularly vigilant for several problematic species that commonly infest Long Island properties:

  • Porcelain-berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa): Porcelain-berry commonly invades sunny disturbed habitats in wooded areas such as canopy gaps and forest edges. It creates dense blankets of vine as it climbs on other plants, and may kill plants beneath as it blocks sunlight. Porcelain-berry is common throughout the metro area, Nassau, and western Suffolk, with sparser populations extending through to the east end.
  • Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus): The vine of this species can eventually grow large enough to aggressively entwine trees and other plants. The roots are bright orange; flowers small and greenish-yellow; and fruits are pea-sized capsules that change to bright yellow and split open when ripe, revealing a bright orange-red berry within. Celastrus orbiculatus – Asian bittersweet is ranked 86.67 (Very High) on the NYS Threat Assessment scale.
  • English Ivy (Hedera helix): An infested tree will exhibit decline for several to many years before it dies; and the added weight of vines makes trees susceptible to blowing over during storms.
  • Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica): Several non-native species of this plant include shrubs and vines; may produce red or black berries; and have yellow, pink or red tubular flowers. Common traits: hollow pith stems, opposite, oval leaves with smooth margins (leaf edges). The roots grow laterally just below the surface of the ground.

Best Practices for Invasive Species Control During Land Clearing

Effective invasive species management requires a systematic approach that goes beyond simple removal. To successfully control an undesirable plant, learn how it grows and reproduces. For instance, mowing or cutting back at the wrong time of year may be a wasted effort and expense. Attack it when it is most vulnerable, which may be in winter when the invasives are accessible.

Timing and Methodology

The best time to weed is just after a rain, early in the day, or in late fall/winter/early spring while the ground is damp but not frozen, and selectively weed out invasive plants to give natives room to grow and reproduce. For vine species like porcelain-berry, gently untangle small vines from trees and uproot or dig up small plants. For vines that reach higher up on plants, do not pull the vines, as tangled branches and limbs are at risk of falling and pose a safety hazard.

Root System Management

Complete removal requires attention to root systems. Due to the vigorous taproots and root crowns of porcelain-berry and its ability to reroot and create multiple root crowns per plant, manual removal of roots may pose a challenge. When digging to remove taproots or root crowns is not possible, clip vines at the base and as high as possible. Cut plants will likely resprout and repeat cuttings are necessary. Also, porcelain-berry seeds may remain viable in the soil for several years so repeat removals of newly germinated plants will likely be necessary to deplete the seed bank.

Proper Disposal Methods

Before management, check for ripe fruit and take care to remove and securely dispose of any to prevent their accidental spread. Fruits should be bagged and disposed of. After management, dispose of all plant matter in garbage bags as porcelain-berry can spread vegetatively. Do NOT dump unwanted aquarium plants or animals or landscaping debris in natural areas and waterways.

Professional Land Clearing with Invasive Species Expertise

While property owners can handle small-scale invasive species removal, larger land clearing projects benefit significantly from professional expertise. Green Light Tree Services partners with companies that value time, resources, and the environment, with a team comprising highly skilled professionals with a deep understanding of land-clearing techniques and the ability to adapt to various terrains and environments. Their local knowledge helps them understand the specific needs of trees in Suffolk and Nassau County.

At Greenlight Tree Services, they are committed to providing clients with exceptional service and top-quality workmanship, with certified arborists who have the knowledge and experience to handle any tree-related challenge while prioritizing safety and taking extra precautions to ensure property protection throughout the process. With over 17 years of experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and a highly trained team, they ensure land is cleared safely and effectively.

Long-term Management and Native Plant Restoration

Successful invasive species management extends beyond initial removal. Ideally, replace invasive species with native plants. Once established, native plants will shade out invasive weeds. Many methods require repeating the process when there is regrowth. Be patient.

Property owners should also consider utilizing available resources for ongoing management. Consider downloading the iMapInvasives app! This app allows you to take a picture of a plant or animal and identify that species instantly. You are directly helping scientists and environmental professionals by collecting data with iMapInvasives. The data you collect is then used to plan projects and manage invasive species throughout New York State.

The Environmental and Economic Benefits

Proper invasive species management during land clearing provides both immediate and long-term benefits. Invasive plants have damaged Long Island’s unique habitats by replacing native flora, and in turn, negatively impacting wildlife and natural ecosystem processes. Invasive species are among the top causes of biodiversity loss across the globe. By addressing these species during land clearing projects, property owners contribute to habitat restoration while potentially increasing property values through improved landscape health.

When planning your next land clearing project on Long Island, remember that it represents more than just site preparation—it’s an opportunity to actively participate in ecosystem restoration. By identifying and properly managing invasive species during the clearing process, property owners can ensure their projects contribute positively to Long Island’s environmental future while meeting their immediate development goals.