Invasive Plants Taking Over Your Property?

If you’ve noticed thorny shrubs taking over or dense patches of plants where nothing else seems to grow, you’re not alone. Invasive plants are everywhere in Loudoun County—but the good news? There’s help. 

The Invasive Plant Species Management Program (IPSMP) is a county-funded grant that helps property owners tackle invasive plants and restore healthier, native landscapes. Basically, it makes it more affordable to get rid of the plants that are choking your trees, competing for nutrients, and crowding out the plants you actually want.

Through an IPSMP grant, homeowners can get reimbursed for part of the cost when an approved contractor removes these invasive plants from their property. This often includes common culprits like Autumn Olive, Bradford Pear, Tree-of-Heaven, and other aggressive species that love to spread fast.

Why bother? Invasive plants don’t just look messy—they can actually weaken your trees, make them more likely to fall in storms—and take over your yard or natural areas. Getting them under control is one of the best ways to protect your property and keep your landscape healthy.

The grant mainly focuses on natural spaces, wooded areas, and stream buffers, rather than ornamental gardens. Work has to follow county-approved methods, but the upside is a healthier, safer yard and trees that you can feel good about.

Want to see if your property qualifies? Check out Loudoun County’s official IPSMP page here. It’s full of details about eligibility, application steps, and how the program works. 

Taking on invasive plants might feel like a big job, but with this grant, it’s more doable than ever. Your trees—and your future self—will thank you!