Few insects are as recognizable — or as beloved — as the monarch butterfly. With its bright orange wings and remarkable migration spanning thousands of miles, the monarch has long been a symbol of resilience and the changing seasons. Unfortunately, that symbol is now at serious risk.

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.

As the holidays settle in and Northern Virginia shifts into winter mode, most homeowners turn their attention to lights, decorations, and cozy indoor traditions. But December is also one of the best times of the year to give your trees a little seasonal care. In fact, winter tree pruning is like giving your landscape its own holiday gift—one that pays off long after the decorations come down. Here’s why now is the ideal time to schedule pruning, especially for the trees that stand tall around your home all year long.

As we move into November and the season of gratitude, it’s the perfect time to pause and appreciate one of the greatest assets in our Loudoun County landscape — our trees. From the historic oaks that line Middleburg’s streets to the maples brightening Leesburg neighborhoods, trees add beauty, character, and life to our community year-round.

Beyond their charm, trees quietly perform essential work every day. They clean our air by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering out pollutants. Their shade helps cool our homes, reduce energy use, and lower summer temperatures. Along our streams and open spaces, trees also help reduce erosion and protect local waterways that feed into the Potomac.

If you’ve been out in the yard lately and noticed a strange bug with spotted wings and a flash of red when it flies, chances are you’ve come across the spotted lanternfly. These pests, originally from Asia, are invasive and they’ve made their way into our area. They feed on the sap of trees and plants, leaving behind a sticky residue that can attract mold and weaken your trees, vines, and shrubs. In other words—they’re bad news for both homeowners and the environment.

So, what can you do about them? Luckily, there are a few remedies, both natural and chemical, that can help keep them in check.