Services

Invasive Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

Common and Glossy Buckthorn, non-native Honeysuckle, Multiflora Rose, Barberry, Russian and Autumn Olive, Burning Bush, Norway Maple, Asiatic Bittersweet - these and other non-native trees, shrubs, and vines can take over a landscape and severely degrade ecosystem health and biodiversity. But with the right combination of strategies - which can include herbicide free or very low dose chemical treatments - even serious infestations can be reduced to manageable levels, in real time. If you're concerned about these or other non-natives on your property, call, text, or email to set up a free onsite consultation to assess and discuss options.

Canes and Herbaceous

Garlic Mustard, Goutweed, Wild Parsnip, Lesser Celandine, Burdock, Purple Loosestrife, Japanese Knotweed, Phragmites - these and many other herbaceous and cane invasives have overrun large swaths of Vermont and New England, causing immense harm to landscapes, ecosystems, and native communities. Depending on the size and extent of the infestation, however, these species - in particular the herbaceous species - can often be managed, reduced, and controlled with careful planning, commitment, and execution. It's important to note that if you're considering managing Knotweed, Phragmites, or similar species, you must be aware of the significant challenges they present before you (or anyone) begins treatment.

Identify, Plan, and Control

It's an unfortunate reality, but invasive plants are here to stay; eradication is possible in only very limited and specific circumstances. The reality is we have to strategically identify, create a plan for, and control the impact of non-natives in order to allow native species to recover. Given a chance, the native tress, shrubs, and plants that enrich the places we live can and will return and thrive.

As bad as invasive infestations can seem, with financial assistance through the USDA/NRCS (National Resources Conservation Service) and using tested and proven strategies, it's possible to turn even dense incursions around - from overrun and highly degraded to functional landscapes. Call, text, or email for a free consultation to discuss options.

Chemical Free and Low Dose Herbicide

If herbicide use does not fit with your objectives and/or values, BES offers tested and proven low dose herbicide and chemical free strategies for invasive management at scale. While these strategies must be accompanied by a multi-year restoration plan, low dose or herbicide free invasive management can be a pathway to successful ecosystem restoration, including fulfillment of time sensitive projects such as NRCS reimbursement contracts. If low dose or chemical free work is something you're interested in, call, text, or email to set up a free consultation.

The Big Picture

Within the scope of any given project, at BES we use the principles of adaptive management and the most effective and efficient combination of methods to restore disturbed landscapes through targeted and very high percentage removal of non-native invasive species. This approach has been proven at scale on NRCS EQIP contracts, grant funded conservation projects, and privately owned land, on sites as small as suburban yards to twenty acres parcels. In the end, creating a flexible plan from a menu of strategies designed to respond to the needs of each unique landscape leads to measurable results, especially on landscapes with high density, difficult invasive plant infestations. Most importantly, it means using the approach that best promotes landscape health on the generational scale, as a necessary first step to native natural community health.

Landscape Resoration

As a certified practitioner in Ecological Restoration (University of Minnesota, 2022), the principles of sustainable, ecologically sound landscape management inform BES planning and action on every level. I specialize in enabling natural succession of native plant communities using invasive removal and targeted assistance. Call, text, or email for a free consultation.