We are in the process of pulling invasive (honeysuckle, barberry autumn olive) from our property, the majority of which is located at forest edges with partial sun. Any suggestions for something simple to seed in the disturbed soil? It seems that just leaving it alone will invite the invasive plants to return. Thank you Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Master Gardener Helpline and kudos to you for the amount of time spent removing invasives which are harmful to our environment. You are absolutely correct that if you do nothing, invasive species will return.

You should consider having a soil test. Soil test forms and instructions can be found on the UVM website: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab. Soil testing can provide you with useful information regarding pH and organic matter content which will help you determine what to plant. The key to re-vegetation is to put the right plants in the right place. It is critical to match nutrient, light, moisture and climate suitability relative to the plant’s needs.

One option is to plant native grasses from seed. They will grow rapidly in the spring and summer, bloom in late summer or fall and then go dormant through the winter. Many grasses require full sun but some can tolerant partial shade. Consider some of the following species:

  Big Bluestem (partial shade) - grows 4-6 feet tall

  Indiangrass (full sun) – grows 4-7 feet tall

  Little Bluestem (full sun) - grows 2-3 feet tall

  Switchgrass (partial shade) – grows 2-3 feet tall

Additional information can be found:

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2021/02/what-are-some-best-native-ornamental-grasses-landscapes

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-10/documents/ch3h_0.pdf

Another option would be to seed a wildflower meadow that would contain a mixture of native grasses and wildflowers. Please keep in mind that a wildflower meadow takes patience and maintenance over multiple years. The most important step is to properly kill any vegetation in the target area. Many companies sell seed mixes and may contain Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Lance-Leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) to name a few. The following websites provide information to help you determine whether this is the re-vegetation method you want to take.

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/planting-pollinators-establishing-wildflower-meadow-seed-fact-sheet

https://www.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/landowners_guide/habitat_mgmt/Backyard/Wildflower_Planting.htm

When selecting seeds, read the descriptions carefully and make certain that they are hardy, adaptable, and suited to the soil conditions (clay, loam, dry, moist). You want to seed as soon as possible after removing the invasive species and preferably before a rain to increase the chance of success. Mulching with straw will help preserve soil moisture, hold the seed and reduce the impact of rain.

You may want to consider planting native shrubs. The following partial list of plants serve as a good replacements:

  Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

  Ink-berry (Ilex glabra)

  Black chokecherry (Aronia melanocarpa)

  Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)

Additional native plant suggestions and information:

https://vtinvasives.org/sites/default/files/Alternatives%20To%20Common%20Invasive%20Plants.pdf

https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Master-Gardener/Regional_Invasive_Species_Climate_Change_Management_Challenge_.pdf

A land manager's guide:

https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/mipn/assets/File/MIPN_USFS_RevegGuide_NaturalAreas.pdf

You will need to decide whether to use seeds or whether to use plants. Live plants have a higher survival rate however they cost more and take more effort to install. One thought is that you could combine approaches.  Whether seeding and/or transplanting,it is critical to monitor for any invasive species and remove as soon as possible..

Good luck with this project!