Pennsylvania officials are reviving a statewide program to help residents remove invasive plants from their properties and replace them with native species, a move designed to strengthen ecosystems and support wildlife.
The Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program, led by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will host a series of distribution events throughout May. Residents who remove up to three invasive plants from their yards will be eligible to receive free native trees or shrubs.
The initiative returns for a second year, having distributed more than 1,300 native plants in 2025. State officials say the program is part of a broader effort to combat the spread of invasive species that threaten Pennsylvania’s natural habitats.
Common invasive plants targeted by the program include Callery pear, tree-of-heaven, princess tree, Norway maple, Japanese barberry, burning bush and butterfly bush. These species are often used in residential landscaping but can spread rapidly beyond property lines into forests and farmland, where they outcompete native vegetation.
Officials warn that invasive plants not only displace native species but can also create favorable conditions for pests such as the spotted lanternfly. By replacing them with native plants, the program aims to restore healthier landscapes and provide better support for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
Participation in the program requires residents to remove an invasive plant from their property and submit a photograph through a pre-registration form. Registration opens March 31 and is mandatory for those seeking replacement plants. Native species will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
The program also serves an educational purpose, helping homeowners identify invasive species that may already be present in their landscaping. Participants in last year’s program reported increased awareness of which plants can harm local ecosystems and how to replace them effectively.
Residents who are unsure whether a plant on their property is invasive are encouraged to seek guidance from local forestry experts. Assistance is available through DCNR service foresters, who can help identify plants and provide recommendations for removal and replacement.
The initiative is supported through partnerships with several organizations, including the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Penn State Extension, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and Pennsylvania Sea Grant.
Source: pa.gov