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Invader Species and Brush Control Residents and visitors of The Woodlands enjoy our community because it feels like being in a natural forest. The Woodlands however, is not a natural forest in the traditional sense, but is actually a series of small woodlots or buffer strips of trees which provide benefits like a forest. With these small strips of forest there is an increased "edge effect" which promotes invader species which can be non-native as well as native. The adoption of the Integrated Forest Management Plan provides an initiative to remove invasive vines, brush, and non-native species from our forested and open space areas. Chinese Tallowtree (Sapium sebiferum) is a non-native species which was introduced from China in the late 1700s. It was used as an oil crop species in earlier years and in more recent times Chinese Tallowtree has been used extensively as an ornamental tree due to the fast growing nature of the tree and the brilliant fall color. Chinese Tallowtree has the ability to rapidly take over and replace native vegetation. The tree not only grows rapidly, it is able to reproduce at three years of age and reproduce from cuttings. The seed of Chinese Tallowtree can be spread by birds and water which can produce outbreaks over large distances. The length to deplete the seed bank is unknown; however, the seed may remain viable in the soil for many years. Chinese Tallowtree is listed on Texas' noxious weed list and is considered a noxious plant by many states in the southeast.  Chinese Tallowtree control consists of only a few successful choices. The toxicity of the tree prevents cattle from grazing, cutting alone does not work due to the trees ability to resprout, there are no known bio control methods, and burning has limited success. Removal of the trees during the spring months to reduce the spread of seeds as well as treatment of the cut stumps with a basal systemic herbicide which contains the active chemical triclopyr is the best method. Residents can use over the counter products such as Brush-B-Gone or Brush Killer herbicide and apply according the chemicals label. Cutting of the tree close to the ground will help with the application of herbicide. Homeowners who cut trees during times when seeds are present must use caution not to disperse seeds to other areas. Residents who wish to remove any Chinese Tallowtree, like any other invasive species from their property does not have to have prior approval, from the Design Standards Committee or the Development Review Committee, as long as the species is on the approved invasive species listed in Chapter 2.7 Section II of the standards. Once the Chinese Tallowtrees are removed and treated residents have a variety of native species from which to choose for replacement. Some excellent alternatives to Chinese Tallow which provide a quick growth rate along with excellent fall color include American Hornbeam, Black Tupelo (Blackgum), Eastern Hophornbeam, Eastern Redbud, Fringe Tree, Red Maple, River Birch, Silverbell, and Winged Elm. Chinese Tallowtree unfortunately is not the only invasive species which is causing mortality in our native trees. Throughout The Woodlands, invasive native vines are causing trees to die in numerous areas. Currently the Community Associations of The Woodlands, through the Integrated Forest Management Plan, is actively removing invasive vines and Chinese Tallowtrees in Grogan's Mill, along Research Forest and along Alden Bridge Drive through a contract with Arbor Care, Inc. This project will be a multi-year project which is airmed at promoting a healthy and vibrant forest through sound forest management practices. Coupled with this project will be the extensive reforestation of open areas throughout the Woodlands.The Community Associations of The Woodlands is currently inventorying and prioritizing where removal is needed, but we need your help in identifying these areas. Please contact the Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department at 281.210.3900 to report any invasive species and/or reforestation locations.
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