West Bradford Township (and the whole of 19335!) is urging their residents to take part in the 2025 Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive initiative. This program will encourage local property owners to remove some of the invasive plant species from their lawns and garden; to help both their yards and Downingtown’s parks, native species, and forests!
Unfortunately, while non-native trees and plants are beautiful additions to your yard, they wreak havoc on our local ecosystems. Homeowners may not be aware of the amount of damage they can do and what natural resources they affect. Our natural areas are endangered by invasive plants, including: callery pear, tree-of-heaven, Norway maple, burning bush, Japanese barberry, and butterfly bush.
The Invasive Replace-ive program will not only educate homeowners on what species are invasive, but will only give them the option to remove and place them with native beauties! By removing one or more invasive species, property owners may receive up to five free, healthy and native replacements. Join the initiative to do your part in reduce environmental harm and invasive spread.
How to Participate
Any Pennsylvania resident may participate in this program, with registration required. There are five drop-off locations throughout the Commonwealth. There is no Chester County giveaway location, but the closest spot will be in Darby, PA. The Darby drop-off will take place on May 3, 2025 from 10 AM – 12 PM. Either property owners (or those with permission) may remove the invasive species, bring a photo of the cut tree, shrub, or plant, and pick out a replacement. Native replacements are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you are unsure of whether or not your species is invasive, you may view a compiled list here or email a photo of the plant/tree to RA-NRCommunityForest@pa.gov and they will identify it for you.
Property owners are responsible for invasive species removal. If you are unsure how to remove the species effectively, instructions are available here.
You may also opt to use a professional tree removal service.
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