Invasive Plant Management:

I provide full invasive species management for invasive weeds, shrubs and trees. I am happy to help you secure a cost share from the Natural Resource Conservation Service to help you pay for your non-native invasive plant management projects.

Once invasive plants are established, control operations need to be planned carefully to ensure that they are both cost-effective and to minimize disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem. I begin with a thorough assessment of the invasive plant population, its proximity to water features, soil types, and surrounding vegetation. I then carefully select control methods which are appropriate for the targeted species' biological characteristics and the existing natural ecosystem. Areas that are realistically treatable in full should be selected, as a half-treated infestation might easily rebound.

The invasive species control methods I use include mechanical controls (such as hand pulling or removing with machines), chemical controls (such as herbicide application using foliar, cut-stump, or basal bark application), and cultural controls. I carry a Forestry Pesticide License for infestations which are most appropriately treated with chemical controls.

Invasive Insect Detection & Management

In general, my Forest Management Plans are designed to prevent insect pest problems by creating and maintaining a healthy food web within the forest ecosystem in which organisms such as songbirds and bats keep insect populations in balance. However, non-native invasive insects are difficult to control through such preventative efforts due to the fact that their natural predators are not found here in the Northeast. Every landowner should be aware of the threats that such insects pose to our forests and we should all do our part to prevent their continued spread.

Whether you are wondering how to manage your sugarbush to prevent or control forest tent caterpillar infestations or you are unsure what to do about your ash trees now that emerald ash borer is in Vermont, I can help you detect and control invasive insects on your property. This work requires knowledge of the insects’ life cycles and role in the food web, assessment of the extent of the infestation, as well as the ability to execute an effective control strategy.

The gypsy moth is an invasive forest pest from Europe that is one of the most damaging tree defoliators currently in the United States.