Dealing with Invasive Species on Your Property

Invasive species are non-native plants that spread aggressively and displace native vegetation. On residential and commercial properties, they choke out desirable trees, damage structures, reduce property value, and create fire hazards. If your land has an invasive species problem, acting sooner rather than later saves money and prevents the problem from spreading to neighboring properties.

Common Scenarios

Common Invasive Species by Region

Southeast (FL, GA, NC, SC, TN)

• Kudzu: The "vine that ate the South." Grows up to a foot per day in summer, smothering trees and structures.
• Chinese privet: Dense shrub that forms impenetrable thickets in forest understory.
• Brazilian pepper (FL): Aggressive tree that dominates disturbed land. Listed as a noxious weed in Florida.
• Cogongrass: Rapidly spreading grass that displaces native groundcover and increases fire risk.
• Japanese stiltgrass: Shade-tolerant grass that invades forests and crowds out native plants.

Texas

• Chinaberry tree: Fast-growing tree that colonizes disturbed areas and creek banks.
• Chinese tallow: Produces thousands of seeds spread by birds. Dominates coastal prairies.
• Giant reed (Arundo donax): Massive grass that takes over waterways and riparian areas.
• Mesquite (in some contexts): Native but can become invasive in overgrazed rangeland.

Removal Methods

Mechanical Removal

For large infestations, mechanical removal is the most practical approach. This includes forestry mulching (grinding vegetation in place), excavation, or brush cutting. Forestry mulching is particularly effective because it grinds plants into mulch that suppresses regrowth while returning organic matter to the soil.

Chemical Treatment

Herbicides are often necessary for species that resprout from roots (like kudzu and privet). The "cut stump" method — cutting the plant and immediately applying herbicide to the fresh cut — is effective for woody invasives. Foliar spraying works for groundcover species. Always follow label directions and local regulations.

Combined Approach

Most professionals use a combination: mechanical clearing first, followed by targeted herbicide application to prevent regrowth. This is more effective than either method alone and reduces the total amount of chemicals needed.

Cost Factors

Invasive species removal costs vary widely based on:

• Density of infestation: Scattered plants vs. solid coverage
• Species type: Vines and grasses are faster to clear than established trees
• Access: Steep terrain, wet ground, or limited equipment access increases cost
• Acreage: Most contractors price by the acre, with lower per-acre rates for larger jobs
• Follow-up treatment: One-time clearing often isn't enough — plan for at least one follow-up visit

Typical range: $1,500-$5,000 per acre for initial clearing, depending on difficulty. Some contractors include one follow-up treatment in their price.

Prevention After Removal

• Replant cleared areas with native species to compete with invasive regrowth
• Monitor the site quarterly for at least two years
• Treat any regrowth immediately — small patches are cheap to handle, large ones are not
• Maintain a buffer zone along property borders

Find a Qualified Contractor

Invasive species removal requires knowledge of local plants, proper equipment, and herbicide licensing. A qualified contractor can identify the species on your property, recommend the most effective removal method, and handle follow-up treatments. Browse Clear My Land Directory to find experienced professionals in Texas, Florida, and Georgia.

Related guides: How to Clear Overgrown Property · Forestry Mulching vs Bulldozing · Land Clearing & Forestry Mulching Cost Guide