Invasive Species Control
Phragmites, kudzu, Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants knocked back and kept back with multi-season mechanical and herbicide programs.
Knock it back. Keep it back.
Ives Contracting controls invasive plants for public agencies, military installations, utilities and prime contractors across all of Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Invasives like phragmites and kudzu rarely give up after one treatment, so we build programs that combine cutting, mowing and targeted herbicide over several seasons until native cover can take hold.
Our herbicide applicators are licensed and on our own payroll, not subcontracted spray crews. Every application is recorded and kept on file for three years, as state regulations require, and products and timing are chosen for the site and anything nearby that must be protected.
Invasive control fits alongside our right-of-way, herbicide and stormwater work, so one crew can handle the whole site.
Invasive plants we control
Phragmites
Tall common reed that takes over ditches, marsh edges and stormwater ponds. Treated late in the season, then cut back.
Kudzu
Fast-growing vine that smothers trees, fences and structures. Cut back and treated at the root crown over several seasons.
Japanese knotweed
Bamboo-like stands along streams and roadsides. It spreads from root fragments, so we treat it directly instead of mowing it.
Tree-of-heaven
Resprouts hard when it is only cut. Treated before or instead of cutting to stop root suckers.
Autumn olive & multiflora rose
Thorny shrubs that choke fields, fence lines and rights-of-way. Cut and treated, or sprayed, depending on size.
Other invasives
Don’t see your problem plant? We handle most woody and herbaceous invasives found in Virginia and North Carolina.
Vegetation management →
How a program works
- Site walk to map the species and the extent of each stand
- First-season knockdown: cutting, mowing or clearing paired with herbicide at the right time of year
- Follow-up treatments to catch regrowth and new seedlings
- Methods matched to the site: roadside, fence line, open field or wetland edge
- Multi-season pricing so agencies and utilities can budget the full program
One-page PDF with our services, certifications, NAICS codes, UEI and CAGE, and contact information.
Common questions
What invasive plants do you control?
We control phragmites, kudzu, Japanese knotweed, tree-of-heaven, autumn olive, multiflora rose and other invasive plants on rights-of-way, stormwater facilities, fence lines, government and military property and open land across Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
How long does it take to get rid of phragmites or kudzu?
Most established stands take two to three seasons. The first season knocks the stand back, and follow-up visits catch regrowth and seedlings until the site can hold native cover.
Do you use herbicide or mechanical removal?
Usually both. Cutting or mowing alone can make many invasives spread, and herbicide alone leaves dead growth behind. We combine the two and time each step to the plant.
Are your applicators licensed?
Yes. Herbicide work is done by licensed applicators who are Ives employees, not subcontractors. Every application is recorded and kept on file for three years, as state regulations require.
Where do you provide invasive species control?
Statewide across Virginia and in northeastern North Carolina. We are based in Virginia Beach and work throughout Hampton Roads, Richmond and the rest of the state.
Planning next season’s
invasive program?
Tell us the site, the plants and the acreage. We will walk it and price a multi-season plan.