By Lindsey Stone and Allen Smith

Invasive plants are a problem in forest ecosystems across Texas. Plants are considered invasive when they are not native to the area and negatively impact the economy, the environment, or human health. Invasive plants are a problem in Texas forests because they compete with native species, alter ecosystems, and reduce forest productivity. Many invasive plant species have increased in abundance across forest landscapes due to the lack of natural competitors, predators, and diseases that normally regulate their populations in native regions.

There are many methods to effectively treat and remove invasive plant species from forest ecosystems. Physical removal of invasive plants, or mechanical control, is effective for small infestations. Mechanical control includes hand-pulling, mowing, cutting, and mulching. Chemical control is the use of herbicides to kill invasive plants, and this method is most effective for large-scale control. Prescribed fire is also an effective large-scale control method in fire-adapted ecosystems. Often, the best treatment for invasive plant species removal is to use multiple control methods together. For example, the “cut stump” method, where the plant is cut at ground level and herbicide is promptly applied to the stump, is a common practice for removing woody species (such as salt cedar or Chinese privet).

Controlling invasive plant species improves the health and productivity of forest ecosystems, but it can be expensive and laborious. Therefore, the Texas A&M Forest Service offers a reimbursement cost-share program, the Texas Invasive Plant Solutions (TIPS) Cost-Share, to support the removal or treatment of invasive plant species in forests across Texas. The program covers 75% of treatment or removal costs, up to $7,000 per landowner.

Program Requirements:

• Removals/treatments must be conducted on invasive species in forest ecosystems (see list for examples).

• Contractors and non-agency consulting foresters and/or burners must be degreed professionals and/or carry the appropriate credentials.

• Texas A&M Forest Service must be notified of any prescribed burning at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled burn and when the prescribed burn is complete.

• All removals/treatments must be conducted prior to June 1st, 2027. Cost-shares will be awarded until no remaining funds are available.

• Cost-share reimbursement will not exceed 75% of the removal or treatment cost, up to $7,000 per application. Reimbursement does not apply to personal labor. The cost of a single item must be less than $5,000.

• Receipts showing the removal/treatment cost with a $0 balance and tax verification forms must be provided to receive reimbursement.

• To be considered for cost-share funds, an agency Forester/Woodland Ecologist must assess the removal/treatment plan prior to action AND must verify that the treatment/removal was successful. Use the Texas A&M Forest Service Directory to identify and contact the agency forester serving your county.

Common Invasive Species in Texas Forests:

• Asian Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp. or Bambusa spp.)

• Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius)

• Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

• Chinaberry (Melia azedarach)

• Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera)

• Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)

• Chinese/Glossy/Japanese Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

• Heavenly/Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica)

• Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum)

• Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

• Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)

• King Ranch Bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica)

• Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata)

• Mccartney Rose (Rosa bracteata)

• Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera)

• Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

• Salt Cedar (Tamarix spp.)

• Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)

• Silk/Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

• Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

This is not an exhaustive list of all invasive species found in forest ecosystems across Texas, nor are these species always found in forest ecosystems. Please ensure the species you would like to treat is considered invasive in Texas.

Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)

How to Apply:

Step 1: Contact and Plan

• Identify eligible invasive plant treatment/removal work (work can be done by you or by an approved contractor, but personal labor is not reimbursable)

• Contact an approved contractor and/or plan your invasive plant treatment/removal

• Contact your local agency Forester/Woodland Ecologist to conduct a site visit to develop and/or approve the treatment/removal plan

Step 2: Apply

• Complete the following Application Packet with your local agency Forester/Woodland Ecologist and submit it to the Program Director (contact information below):

• TIPS Form 1 (Application)

• State W-9 Form

Step 3: Treat/Remove

• Once notified of approval, complete the eligible invasive plant treatment/removal according to your approved treatment plan

Step 4: Verify and Submit

• Contact the same local agency Forester/Woodland Ecologist to conduct a post-treatment site visit and evaluation

• Complete the following Submission Packet with your local agency Forester and submit it to the Program Director (contact information below):

• TIPS Form 2 (Treatment Evaluation)

• Paid Treatment/Removal Invoice ($0 balance)

Step 5: Receive

• Receive your cost-share reimbursement

Important Contact Information:

Program Director:

Name: Lindsey Stone

Phone: (269) 303-5150

Email: Lindsey.Stone@tfs.tamu.edu

Administrative Associate:

Name: Laura Dixon

Phone: (979) 458-6632

Email: laura.dixon@tfs.tamu.edu

Helpful Links:

Ctrl+Click the name of the tool to follow the link or copy and paste the URL

My Land Management Connector: search tool for finding accredited service providers in your area (e.g. certified burn contractors, certified foresters)

Forestry Herbicide Prescriptions: tool for finding the best silvicultural herbicide prescription to match your needs

Prescribed Burn Planner: tool developed to provide land managers with a decision support system to allow for optimal prescribed burning

Texas Invasives: online database with information on invasive species in Texas

Texas A&M Forest Service Directory: search tool for finding agency staff and contact information in your area; search by county or office location

Map My Property: simple tool for making a map of your property that can be shared with others