Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) A fast-growing, dense shrub that forms thick thickets, crowding out native plants and obstructing lineman access to power lines. It is a woody species that responds to selective herbicides, usually declining quickly after spray treatment combined with the right adjuvants.
Kudzu (Pueraria montana) This aggressive vine is notorious for its rapid growth, quickly covering trees, poles, and lines, leading to structural issues and increased maintenance. The prolific establishment is due to its ability to establish root nodes along runners, thereby reconnecting long lengths of the plant with soil and nutrients.
Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) Although widely planted, this tree has become invasive, spreading through seed dispersal and forming dense stands that interfere with utility infrastructure. It is a suckering woody species that can be controlled with thorough treatments of selective herbicides.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) A vigorous vine that climbs over trees and shrubs, often causing them to collapse. It grows yellow and white sweet smelling flowers on vines. Its rapid spread creates dense mats, making it difficult to manage in utility, transmission line, and right-of-way areas.
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an aggressive perennial grass listed as a federal noxious weed. It is common in right-of-ways, timber stands, and industrial or utility sites. Congagrass spreads by rhizomes and seeds, outcompetes native and desirable vegetation.
Chinese Tallow Tree (Triadica sebifera) is an invasive deciduous tree that colonizes disturbed areas, roadsides, utility corridors, and wetlands. It produces dense shade, alters soil chemistry, and crowds out native trees.
Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is fast-growing tree often seen along rail corridors, industrial sites, and fence lines. It produces chemicals that suppress nearby plant growth and is difficult to control without systemic herbicides due to strong root sprouting.
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is tall, rhizomatous grass that dominates drainage areas, rail spurs, and utility easements. Reduces visibility, obstructs equipment access, and spreads aggressively by seed and rhizome.
