Tippecanoe Invasive Cooperative Taskforce

Callery pears (or Bradford pears and other cultivars) are an invasive plant that was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental.  They are commonly planted in landscaping and were a popular street tree for many years.  Unfortunately, their seeds spread from a landscape setting to other sites like natural areas, pastures and rights-of-way.  Once there, they can quickly displace native species.  Callery pears are also weak-wooded and prone to damage from wind and ice.

Burning bush is another invasive plant that was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental.  This invasive species also spreads by seed into natural areas and outcompetes native species.  While birds are capable of consuming the red-orange berries (thus spreading their seed), burning bush is considered highly toxic to pets and mildly toxic to humans.

Japanese barberry follows the same trend of introduced ornamentals becoming invasive.  This invasive shrub spreads both by seed and by the lateral branches laying roots.  Studies have shown that Japanese barberry is a favorite habitat of deer ticks and small mammals that are reservoirs for Lyme disease. 

Currently, this program is only open to residents of Tippecanoe County, Indiana.  We have different funding sources for street tree replacement and private property replacement.  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 three (3) plants may be replaced. 

Below is the process required to partake in this program:

• Fill out the Google Form 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)
• Link to Application Form: https://forms.gle/2JJNoiKHKeg5XoXg6
• 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 3 replacements total).
• Pick up your native replacement(s) during the SWCD Tree & Shrub Sale in the fall.
• Send in pictures proving that you have removed the invasive plant(s) by Nov. 1. 
  • Link to Proof of Removal Form: https://forms.gle/aFBTN8dj7fNBMyMN7

Approved applicants will receive a native tree or shrub at the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District Native Tree & Shrub Sale in the fall.  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, providing proof of removal in the form of before and after pictures, picking up their native replacement, and planting their native replacement. 

April 1st - Application period open

July 1st - Application period close

Late September - Native plant pickup

November 1st - Proof of removal due

Please visit these websites if you live in Lafayette or West Lafayette and need guidance on plant disposal: https://www.lafayette.in.gov/337/Yard-Waste-Guidelines

https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/department/division.php?structureid=180

Send an email tictaboutinvasives@gmail.com or call 765-494-9992, ext. 4027.