Restoration Replanting Monitoring and Followup

Restoration

Following the removal of invasive plants, the site should be evaluated for the vigor, density, and diversity of established native plants. Many native plants might survive the initial control, new ones may seed in, or native seeds may germinate from the seed bank. In many cases, however, it is necessary to replant native species to ensure that the site’s growing space is occupied; otherwise invasive species will recolonize the site.
Before planting, evaluate whether invasive plant control was thorough. If yearly foliar spraying of herbicides will be required to achieve full control, it may be necessary to delay planting or use plastic tree tubes to protect planted stock from spray.

Replanting
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Restoring a site with the original array of native species can be quite expensive and time consuming. In very sensitive sites with rare plant or wildlife species the expense may be warranted. Often, though, the main goal of replanting is to quickly occupy growing space after control with fast-growing or easy-to-establish native species that grow in a range of conditions. Select native species that are appropriate for the site. In basic terms, if the site is in the understory, plant shade tolerant species; if the site’s soil is wet or compacted by vehicles, select native species which tolerate poor soils; if heavy deer browsing is a problem, plan on installing adequate fencing, plastic tree tubes or choose unpalatable native species, such as eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) or black birch (Betula lenta). The selection of native plant species can be guided by observing species composition of similar uninvaded sites in the vicinity.

The choice of plants, seeds, planting methods, and long-term maintenance should be incorporated into a management plan. Without a management plan, the hard work of eradicating invasive species and planting native ones can be undone by new invasive plant infestations or the failure of newly established native plants.

• Sample Plan: Land Management Plan

While they are often hard to find, try to encourage the use of plants that come from local genotypes. Also be aware that many nursery-grown shade tolerant species have spent their lives in full sun and they might experience shock if planted in dense shade without acclimating. Nursery stock can be a vector for disease or have weed seeds in their potting soil—check plants carefully. One option to reduce the threat from weed seeds is to plant bare root stock. One of the most common reasons for transplant failure is that stock is planted too deep and the roots are smothered. It is important that applicants and contractors install the plant so that the root flare is slightly above ground level. Planting in the spring or fall will reduce watering needs. Following are lists of native plants that can be used as alternatives to invasive plants:

• Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station List
• New England Wildflower Society List

Monitoring and Follow-up
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In most cases, control of invasive plant populations will not be complete. Individual plants may not be killed in the initial treatment. The seeds of some species remain viable in the soil seed bank and will germinate in subsequent years. In addition, invasive plants seeds will continue to be deposited on site and new populations will become established. Long-term monitoring and follow-up control efforts will be required in most cases. A schedule and protocol for monitoring and follow-up work should be required in the permit application and associated management plan. For more information on management plans please click here.