Loudoun County Invasive Plant Removal Grant — What Homeowners Need to Know

If you own land in Loudoun County, there’s exciting news: the county has expanded its Invasive Plant Species Management Program (IPSMP), also known as the Loudoun County invasive plant removal grant. This program provides financial assistance to help property owners remove invasive species and restore their landscapes with healthy native plants.

As ISA Certified Arborists at Patriot Tree Service, we’ll break down what the Loudoun County invasive plant removal grant means, which species are covered, the best methods of removal, and how you can apply to take advantage of this opportunity.

Invasive Japansese Barberry

What Is the Loudoun County Invasive Plant Removal Grant?

The Invasive Plant Species Management Program (IPSMP) is designed to help property owners tackle the growing problem of non-native invasive plants. These species spread aggressively, outcompete native vegetation, and can damage ecosystems and property values.

Through the Loudoun County invasive plant removal grant, landowners receive:

• Two Tiers of Funding:

  •  Expedited Projects – Up to $5,000 for small projects (under $5,000 cost, less than 5,000 sq. ft., not in sensitive areas, no permits required).

  • Standard Projects – Up to $50,000 for larger or more complex efforts (over 5,000 sq. ft., in sensitive areas, or requiring regulatory review).

• Long-term requirements: Recipients must maintain treated areas for three years after removal and revegetation.

• Eligibility: Open to residential and commercial property owners (including HOAs), but not state or federal lands.

Common Invasive Plant Species in Loudoun County

The grant program targets some of the most damaging invasive species in Loudoun, including:

    •    Autumn Olive

    •    Bradford Pear (Callery Pear)

    •    Chinese Privet

    •    English Ivy

    •    Garlic Mustard

    •    Japanese Barberry

    •    Japanese Honeysuckle

    •    Japanese Stiltgrass

    •    Sericea Lespedeza

    •    Tree-of-Heaven

These plants spread quickly and can devastate native ecosystems. For example, Tree-of-Heaven weakens native tree growth and supports invasive spotted lanternflies, while English Ivy strangles mature trees.

Best Methods for Invasive Plant Removal

As ISA Certified Arborists, we understand that each invasive species requires a specific removal strategy. The Loudoun County invasive plant removal grant supports the following best practices:

• Manual Removal – Hand-pulling, digging, or cutting for small patches of invasive plants.

• Mechanical Removal – Brush cutting, mowing, or chainsaw work for larger infestations or woody invasives.

• Chemical Control – Targeted herbicide applications to prevent regrowth, critical for species like Tree-of-Heaven.

• Revegetation – Planting or encouraging native species to stabilize the soil and keep invasives from returning.

How the Loudoun County Invasive Plant Removal Grant Works

If you’re interested in applying for the Loudoun County invasive plant removal grant, here’s the process:

1. Attend an Information Session – Learn program details and application requirements.

2. Submit Application – Fill out the Project Overview Form, outlining removal and revegetation plans.

3. Project Classification – County determines if your project is expedited or standard.

4. Approval & Permitting – Projects are reviewed for ecological and regulatory compliance.

5. Implementation – Begin work within six months; initial removal must be complete in 12 months.

6. Revegetation & Monitoring – Replace invasives with native plants and maintain for three years.

7. Reimbursement – Submit contractor invoices for eligible cost reimbursement.

Why Work with an ISA Certified Arborist?

Applying for and completing a Loudoun County invasive plant removal grant project requires more than cutting plants — it requires professional expertise in ecosystem restoration.

At Patriot Tree Service, our ISA certification (Cert. ID: MA-340346A) ensures:

• Accurate identification of invasive species on your property.

• A compliant and effective removal and revegetation plan.

• Safe removal practices that protect desirable trees and native vegetation.

• Long-term maintenance to help you meet the county’s three-year compliance requirement.

Final Thoughts

The Loudoun County invasive plant removal grant is a rare opportunity to improve your property, protect native species, and get financial support for doing so. If invasive plants like Autumn Olive, Bradford Pear, or Tree-of-Heaven are taking over your land, now is the time to act.

Contact Patriot Tree Service today at 304-207-0115 to schedule a site assessment. We’ll help you apply for the grant, remove invasive plants safely, and restore your property with native species that thrive for years to come.