Invasive Tree and Shrub Species in NE Ohio You Should Remove

Invasive trees and shrubs are causing serious problems in Ohio, displacing beneficial native plants and impacting local ecosystems. These aggressive species have spread throughout our communities in Northeast Ohio, showing up in residential yards, parks, and wooded areas.

If you find invasive trees or shrubs on your property, removing them quickly and replacing them with native alternatives is one of the best steps you can take to protect your landscape and help local ecosystems stay healthy.

Key Takeaways

• Invasive plants spread quickly and harm local ecosystems by pushing out native species that wildlife depends on.
• Common invasive trees in our area include tree of heaven, Norway maple, and Callery pear, which are all difficult to control once established.
• Many popular landscape shrubs like honeysuckle and autumn olive are actually invasive species that should be removed.
• Early identification and removal of invasive species helps prevent them from taking over your property and spreading to nearby areas.
• Native alternatives like American hornbeam, pagoda dogwood, and arrowwood viburnum offer similar beauty while supporting local wildlife.

Why Invasive Species Are a Problem for NE Ohio Landscapes

Invasive plants cause major issues in Northeast Ohio by disrupting the natural balance of native ecosystems. Here’s how they create problems:

• Invasive species grow faster and spread more aggressively than native species, quickly taking over large areas.
• Invasive trees and shrubs alter soil and water conditions that native species need to survive.
• They provide little food value for local birds and animals.
• Some invasive species release chemicals that prevent other plants from growing nearby.
• They often require constant maintenance, weeding, and herbicide treatments to control.

These characteristics make invasive species a challenge for both our local environment and property owners who find them in their yards.

Identifying Invasive Species in NE Ohio

Early detection is key to preventing invasive species from spreading. Here are common signs to watch for:

• Rapid Growth and Spread: Invasive species often grow quickly, outpacing native plants in the area.
• Adaptability to Various Environments: They can thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them hard to control.
• Lack of Natural Predators or Diseases: With few natural threats, invasive species can spread uncontrollably.
• Dense Canopies or Thickets: These plants form thick areas that block sunlight, suffocating native vegetation.
• Displacement of Native Plants: Invasive species often push out local plants, disrupting the natural ecosystem.

Thanks to an abundance of local guide books and plant identification apps available on smartphones, learning about the plants in your yard is easier than ever. Understanding what’s growing in your landscape is the first step to maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape.

Top Invasive Tree Species to Remove in NE Ohio

Photo of tree of heaven. Annemarie Smith, ODNR Division of Forestry, Bugwood.org

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

The tree of heaven is one of the most problematic invasive species in Northeast Ohio. This fast-growing tree came from China and can quickly take over an area by spreading through both seeds and root suckers. You’ll often find it in disturbed areas like roadsides and vacant lots, but it also frequently pops up in residential yards.

The tree gives off a strong, unpleasant smell from its flowers. Its aggressive root system can also damage foundations, hardscapes, and sewers.

Impact on Local Ecosystems: The tree of heaven releases chemicals that stop other plants from growing nearby. Combined with how quickly it spreads, this tree often pushes out native species like oaks and maples that our local environment needs.

Suggested Alternative: Eastern redbud – This popular native tree produces beautiful spring blooms that help pollinators. Its smaller size works well in residential yards.

Photo of Norway maple. Richard Webb, Bugwood.org

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

The Norway maple has become a common sight in Northeast Ohio landscapes. While it was once popular as a street tree because it tolerates tough urban conditions and grows quickly, we now know it causes significant problems.

This tree creates denser shade than native maples, which blocks sunlight from reaching the ground. This prevents native plants and smaller trees from growing underneath, reducing plant diversity. Its seeds spread easily, and since it can grow in shade, this tree can pop up almost anywhere.

Impact on Local Ecosystems: By blocking sunlight from native species, the Norway maple reduces plant diversity, which affects local wildlife. Native trees like sugar maples, which provide food for birds and insects, often can’t compete.

Suggested Alternative: Sugar maple – A native option with similar looks but none of the problems. Sugar maples provide excellent fall color and support local wildlife.

Photo of callery pear. Richard Webb, Bugwood.org

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

The Callery pear, also known as Bradford pear, was planted widely for its white spring flowers. However, it’s now recognized as a major problem in Northeast Ohio. This tree spreads aggressively and forms dense thickets that crowd out native species.

While this tree was once very popular, as of 2023, Ohio law now makes it illegal to buy or plant Callery pear trees in our state.

Impact on Local Ecosystems: Because it can grow in many soil types, the Callery pear spreads quickly, especially in open spaces and disturbed areas. It often takes over areas where native trees and shrubs should grow, reducing habitat for local wildlife.

Suggested Alternative: Serviceberry – A beautiful native tree with similar aesthetic appeal. It blooms in early spring with an explosion of white flowers and produces small berries that birds love.

Invasive Shrub Species to Remove in NE Ohio

Invasive trees aren’t our only concern. In fact, these shrubs can pose an even bigger threat to our local ecosystems.

Photo of honeysuckle. Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

Invasive honeysuckles, including amur, Tartarian, and morrow’s honeysuckle, are widespread across Northeast Ohio. These shrubs often form thick patches that take over forests, fields, and backyards.

Impact on Local Ecosystems: Invasive honeysuckle creates too much shade for native plants and often dominates the understory. This makes it hard for native shrubs and young trees to grow, reducing food and habitat for local wildlife, including birds and pollinators.

Suggested Alternative: Spicebush – A native shrub that grows well in similar conditions and supports local wildlife by attracting pollinators and providing berries for birds.

Photo of autumn olive. Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

Autumn olive produces small, silvery leaves and lots of berries. While birds spread its berries, this shrub’s quick growth and ability to change soil conditions make it a significant problem for Northeast Ohio’s native plants.

Impact on Local Ecosystems: Autumn olive is especially harmful because it pushes out native plants in two ways – by creating too much shade and by changing the chemistry of nearby soil through a process called allelopathy.

Suggested Alternative: American hazelnut – A native shrub that produces edible nuts and supports wildlife without causing problems.

Photo of buckthorn. Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.)

Buckthorn is another common invasive shrub in Northeast Ohio. It creates dense, impassable thickets that overwhelm native species, and becomes a difficult plant to manage.

Impact on Local Ecosystems: Buckthorn alters soil composition, making it difficult for native plants to thrive. Its aggressive growth also limits space for native trees and shrubs, reducing overall plant diversity.

Suggested Alternative: Blackhaw viburnum – A native shrub with white spring flowers and fruit that attracts birds, offering a better option for our local ecosystem.

Getting Professional Help with Removal

When invasive trees or shrubs take hold, they can spread quickly and become harder to control. Removing them early is important to keep them from taking over your landscape and nearby areas. However, removal can be more challenging than you realize, especially for larger trees with expansive root systems.

Working with a professional tree service like Independent Tree makes the tree removal process simpler and more effective. Our team has the right tools and knowledge to safely remove invasive species and help prevent them from coming back.

We can also evaluate your property and suggest ways to stop future invasions.

Preventing Future Problems in NE Ohio Landscapes

After removing invasive species, it’s important to prevent their return. If you leave any empty space in your yard, aggressive species may find their way in with seeds spread by air or birds.

One of the best ways to prevent invasive species is by planting native plants or non-native species that are friendly to Ohio’s environment. These plants not only thrive in Northeast Ohio’s climate, but they also support local wildlife, like pollinators and birds, while adding shade, beauty, and curb appeal to your yard.

Here are some more native options to consider:

• American hornbeam: A small, sturdy tree with interesting bark patterns and golden fall color.
• Pagoda dogwood: A unique native tree with distinctive horizontal branching and white spring flowers.
• Arrowwood viburnum: A hardy shrub that offers white flower clusters, blue berries, and rich autumn colors.

At Independent Tree, we’re happy to recommend the best trees and shrubs for your yard, and we can even plant them for you to maximize their chances of long-term success.

Protect Your Landscape by Removing Invasive Species

Invasive trees and shrubs continue to cause problems in Northeast Ohio, threatening local ecosystems and disrupting the balance of native plants and wildlife. But removing these species quickly helps preserve the natural beauty and health of your landscape.

If you’re not sure whether you have invasive species on your property or need help removing them, contact our friendly, professional team at Independent Tree. Call us today at 440-564-1374 for expert guidance or a free tree removal quote.