Invasive Plants

In 2012, the Fairfield SWCD partnered with Hocking and Vinton SWCD’s to develop a team of licensed pesticide applicators that could assist local government units with the treatment and control of invasive plants on public properties and rights-of-way. Part of the funding for equipment came from ODNR, Division of Soil and Water Resources “Tool Box Grants” to encourage efficiency and partnership. To date, Fairfield SWCD has assisted Violet Township, the City of Pickerington and Fairfield Union Schools with invasive plant control efforts.

Most invasive plants in Fairfield County were introduced as attractive landscape plants in people’s yards or for erosion control. We continue to find landscape plants growing wild and uncontrolled along streams and in woodlands. Please watch and monitor your area for these plants, or consider replacing your landscape plants with native alternatives.

Appalachian Ohio Weed Control Partnership

Fairfield County is not officially part of the Appalachian Ohio Weed Control Partnership but we work in cooperation across the county line to raise awareness. Over the past year we have had their articles published in the Towne Crier to raise awareness. AOWCP has also created a presentation for right-of-ways for road, gas lines, electric etc. as we often see the movement of invasive seeds during mowing operations.

Fairfield County’s Five Most Common Invasive Plants are:

Ailanthus, Garlic Mustard, Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, Multiflora Rose

We are starting to see more Poison Hemlock in Fairfield County.

Landscape Alternatives for Invasive Plants of the Midwest
Ohio State Listed Noxious Weeds
Fighting Invasive Plants in Ohio
Midwest Invasive Plant Network
Invasive Plants in the Midwest
Ohio Invasive Plants Council