When non-native invasive plants have been removed from forested stands it is sometimes not necessary to re-plant native vegetation, especially if there are already native plants present that will respond to the increase in available sunlight and growing space. However, when invasive plants like amur honeysuckle have dominated the stand for a long time, often there is nothing growing below them to fill the empty niche after they are removed. This was the case at Wyman Woods where honeysuckle removal revealed bare soil with no native plant regeneration. In this case it is imperative that follow up treatments be implemented to promote native vegetation. Because of the hypercompetitive nature of many non-native invasive plants, they will out compete many of our native plants and re-infest the site before the native plants can gain a foothold. Remember, there are still seeds stored in the forest duff, and plenty invasive plants in surrounding areas that can reinvade by wind- or bird-dispersed seeds.
For this reason, on April 17 and 18, 2010, the city of Grandview Heights implemented a reforestation effort for Wyman Woods. Approximately, 1,500 native seedlings and whips were planted adjacent to and in the openings created by the bush honeysuckle removal project implemented six months earlier.
Prior to the community volunteer tree planting effort, the city chemically treated any bush honeysuckle and garlic mustard that had leafed out. The below photos were taken on April 17, 2010.
Bush honeysuckle removed, resprouts treated, and seedlings ready to be planted.
Native bareroot whips ready for installation.
City forester, Mike McKee explaning tree planting to the volunteers.
Native whips planted on the periphery of the woods, while volunteers install seedlings in openings.
Grandview Heights received an $8,000 grant from the Columbus Foundation's Clifford and Mary Ozias Fund to purchase the whips, seedlings, and protective guards.