2026 Invasive Plant Swap

Please read all of the information on this page prior to applying. 

The Invasive Plant Swap is only open to residents of Tippecanoe County, Indiana.   Depending on the location of your invasive plant, we may or may not be able to fund a replacement at this time.  Trees planted between the sidewalk and the road are considered city trees.  Applicants with city trees will work with the City Forester from Lafayette or West Lafayette on their tree removal and replacement process. Up to 10 plants can be replaced. 

This year we are targeting burning bush (Euonymus alatus), callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), privet (Ligustrum spp.), and white mulberry (Morus alba). Please email tictaboutinvasives@gmail.com if you have another species you would like to replace. 

Here is the process required to partake in this program:

• Fill out Google Form below with basic information, and attach photos of your invasive plant(s) at the end of the form.  These photos should be of:
  • the entire plant in your landscaping
  • leaves and stems
  • flowers/buds (if present)
• You may also send photos of your invasive plant(s) to tictaboutinvasives@gmail.com if you are unable to attach them to the Google Form.  Your application will not be considered until photos have been submitted.
• Once photo verification is complete, you will be sent a contract to sign and return, and a list of native replacements to choose from (1 replacement per invasive removed, up to 10 replacements total).
• Pick up your native replacement(s) on September 24, 2026 during the SWCD Tree & Shrub Sale at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds.
• Send in pictures proving that you have removed the invasive plant(s) by November 6, 2026.

Invasive Removal and Replacement Pickup

Approved applicants will receive a native tree or shrub at the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District Native Tree & Shrub Sale in September.  We do not currently have funds to help with the costs of removing the invasive tree. All participants will be responsible for removing their invasive tree, shrub, or grass, providing proof of removal in the form of before and after pictures, picking up their native replacement, and planting their native replacement.

Timeline

April 1, 2026 - Applications Open

August 1, 2026 or When 200 plants Have Been Applied For  - Applications Close

September 24, 2026 - Native Trees and Shrubs Distributed at Fairgrounds

As Soon As Possible - Plant your native trees and shrubs.  

November 6, 2026 - Send in pictures proving that you have removed the invasive plant(s)

Please visit these websites if you live in Lafayette or West Lafayette and need guidance on plant disposal: 

Lafayette: lafayette.in.gov/337/Yard-Waste-Guidelines

West Lafayette:  westlafayette.in.gov/services/waste-and-removal/yard-waste-collection