Invasive Plants in Tennessee: What to Know and How to Remove Them

Middle Tennessee has a significant invasive plant problem. Several aggressive non-native species have established themselves across the region, and they're spreading rapidly — choking out native vegetation, reducing property value, and creating dense impenetrable growth that's difficult to remove without professional equipment.

The Worst Offenders in Middle Tennessee

Japanese Honeysuckle

The most widespread invasive vine in Tennessee. Honeysuckle climbs trees, blankets shrubs, and can kill mature vegetation by cutting off light. It spreads aggressively and regrows quickly after cutting unless the roots are also addressed.

Kudzu

Called "the vine that ate the South" for good reason. Kudzu can grow up to a foot per day in summer and will completely blanket trees, structures, and land if left unchecked. Once established, it requires persistent effort to eliminate.

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus)

A fast-growing tree that spreads prolifically by seed and root sprouts. It produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of native plants nearby. A single tree can quickly become a dense stand.

Privet

Introduced as a landscape shrub, privet has escaped cultivation and now dominates forest understories across Tennessee. It's extremely shade-tolerant and outcompetes native plants.

Multiflora Rose

A dense, thorny shrub that forms impenetrable thickets. Common in fence rows and field edges, it spreads by birds and is extremely difficult to remove by hand.

What It Takes to Remove Them

Cutting invasive plants back rarely solves the problem — most regrow from the roots. Effective removal typically requires mechanically grinding the plants with a forestry mulcher, followed by targeted herbicide treatment of any regrowth.

We specialize in invasive growth removal across Middle Tennessee. Get a free estimate or call us at 615-971-6076.