Controlling Invasive Species

Invasive plants and insects are non-native, fast spreading species that put local plants and wildlife at risk. These species damage and kill native plants and trees, reducing available food sources and habitats for local insects, birds, and other animals. This causes a chain reaction in our eco-systems, with negative impacts on our environment, and ultimately, human health!

You can help keep Hyattsville's parks, forests, and waterways clear by removing invasive species at home, or at one of our monthly park clean-up events.

Volunteer for our monthly invasive plant removals!

Monthly invasive plant removals in City parks take place the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Gloves and trash bags are provided. Dress appropriately for yard-work; long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Please check the City Calendar for the location. RSVP to environment@hyattsville.org to be alerted of weather-related cancellations.

Coming soon - the City received a Stormwater Stewardship Grant to protect our tree canopy through the removal of invasive vines. Through a partnership with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) the City will be training tree stewards to assist in this process! Volunteer opportunities will be posted here when they become available. For questions about this program please contact environment@hyattsville.org or (301) 985-5032.

Staff Directory

  1. Dawn Taft

    Environmental Programs Manager, City Arborist
    dtaft@hyattsville.org
    Phone: (240) 487-0290

  2. Colin Morrison

    Environmental Coordinator
    cmorrison@hyattsville.org
    Phone: 240-935-2292

Remove invasives at home!

Many invasive species can be hiding in plain site in your yard! Below are a few common invasives found in Hyattsville with recommendations on removal.

SpeciesCharacteristics & RemovalPhoto
English IvyThis decorative evergreen can be deadly to local trees! To remove ivy, cut the stems at the base of the tree and remove the roots from the ground. Pulling the vines off the tree can cause more harm to the tree, so it's best to leave them until they wither and fall on their own. Ivy should be discarded in the trash instead of compost to prevent re-rooting.
Read the English Ivy Removal Guide
English Ivy
Incised FumewortThis invasive plant is on the rise in the city, spreading most commonly through resident's yards. It's identified by its bright pink/purple flowers and parsley shaped leaves. It spreads quickly by ejecting its seeds, overtaking native plants in yards and forested areas. The plant has shallow roots so removal is easy - just pull straight out of the ground and dispose in the trash to destroy the seeds.
Read the iNaturalist Guide to Incised Fumewort
Incised Fumewort
Crape Myrtle Scale
Crape Myrtle trees are growing in popularity across the U.S., but unfortunately the large number of trees are attracting new threats. Crape Myrtle Scale Bark is an infection that develops from groups of small insects who slowly overtake the tree and expose it to severe conditions. You may notice small white insects on branches, particularly around pruning spots. Other signs include leaf drop and poor flower growth. Pesticide free removal options are available, though severe infestations may require pesticides. 
Find detailed guidance through the University of Maryland Extension program.

Spotted Lanternfly
These winged insects feed off of tree sap and are an increasing threat to trees across the U.S., particularly fruit bearing trees and agricultural crops. Though they usually nest on or in tree bark, they have also been known to build their nests on fence posts. If you see it - squish it! Community members can help stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly by killing the insect and then reporting its sighting to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Learn about controlling the Spotted Lanternfly or report a sighting to the MDA.