Harrisburg, PA – A new statewide program will help Pennsylvanians remove invasive trees and shrubs and replace them with native species — for free. Through the Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program, property owners who remove up to five invasive plants can receive native replacements at designated events in May.
“Invasive species crowd out native plants, damage ecosystems, and make it harder for pollinators and birds to thrive,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “By removing invasive trees and shrubs and replacing them with native species, Pennsylvanians can restore balance to their landscapes, improve habitat for wildlife, and help stop the spread of harmful plants. With more than 2,000 native species in Pennsylvania, there are plenty of great alternatives to enhance yards and green spaces.”
Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, this initiative aims to curb the spread of invasive species, which threaten Pennsylvania’s farms, forests, and natural ecosystems. Events will take place across the state, with native trees and shrubs distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Invasive trees and shrubs take over farm fields, landscapes, and forests, choking out native species and harboring ticks and harmful pests like spotted lanternflies,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Replacing invasives with beneficial natives is a way homeowners can eliminate threats to their farming neighbors and attract pollinators that will continue to benefit farms and beautify Pennsylvania landscapes for years to come.”
How to Participate in Invasive Replace-ive
Any Pennsylvania resident can participate by attending an event in May:
- Remove an invasive tree or shrub from your property or with permission from a property owner (e.g., park, library, school).
- Take a photo of the removed plant and submit it via the pre-registration form or bring it to the exchange event. Photos from as early as 2020 will be accepted.
- Attend an event to receive a replacement tree or shrub, available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. If your preferred species is unavailable, an alternative will be provided.
Events and Locations
- Erie – Saturday, May 3, 9:00 AM -12:00 PM Register
- Darby – Saturday, May 3, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Register
- Carlisle – Friday, May 9, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Register
- Greensburg – Saturday, May 10, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Register
- Scranton – Sunday, May 18, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Register
The program aims to replace some of Pennsylvania’s most problematic invasive species, including:
- Callery pear (Bradford pear)
- Tree-of-heaven
- Princess tree
- Norway maple
- Japanese barberry
- Burning bush
- Butterfly bush
- Other woody trees and shrubs listed here
If you’re unsure whether a plant on your property is invasive, DCNR experts can help. Send photos to RA-NRCommunityForest@pa.gov for identification.
The 2025 Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and made possible through partnerships with DCNR, the Department of Agriculture, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program, and Sea Grant Pennsylvania.
For more information on invasive plants and how to participate, visit DCNR’s website or Agriculture’s website.
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