VANQUISH INVASIVE PLANTS

Invasive vines have become a relentless threat to the lush landscapes of Westchester, strangling our cherished trees and smothering our vibrant shrubs. This creeping menace not only disrupts the natural beauty of our surroundings but also jeopardizes the health of our local ecosystems. 

Some of the very worst are porcelain berry, English ivy, oriental bittersweet, Chinese wisteria and others. Left unchecked they will smother and kill mature trees, destroying the very base of our native ecosystems and diminishing your property values. The first place to start battling these invaders is at home, in your own yard and there is no better time than now, late fall and winter. 

WHAT’S THE BATTLE PLAN?

CUT

Cut vines at the base of the tree and then again about 3'-4' above it. Use pruning shears or a small saw. Remove and bag cut pieces.

Pull

Pull/dig smaller vines from the base of the tree and the surrounding area. Keep a clear perimeter of 18" around trees.

MAINTAIN

Check monthly for vine regrowth at the base of the tree. Remove new sprouts immediately.

Never pull large vines from trees as you can harm the tree and injure yourself! Once cut, vines will dry and die.

Always wear protective clothing (gloves and longsleeves) when removing vines. Avoid Poison Ivy. Leave any “leafs of three” alone.

Reach out to your landscaper for a difficult job.

new campaign

Free a Tree > > >

Win a Garden

Trees on your property are valuable; they clean the air, beautify our yards, and raise property values. Invasive vines smother and kill trees.

This spring, TEAC and the Village of Tarrytown are launching an exciting new campaign to support homeowners battling invasive vines on their property. Between April 1 (no joke) and June 8, you can sign up for our FREE A TREE, WIN A GARDEN campaign, and receive vine removal advice and free native plants.

HOW to win:

STEP 1: Take BEFORE pictures of the vine-covered tree(s)

STEP 2: CUT the vines (follow our vine-cutting guide Tarrytown’s Most Wanted)

STEP 3: Submit your BEFORE & AFTER picture of your work to the file uploader below.

Receive 5 free native plants to replace the invasives. (starting May 11, 2026)

Congratulations! You are creating a healthy yard!

Sign Up Today

Free gardens limited to the first 25 Tarrytown residents who enroll byJune 8, 2026


BEFORE

AFTER

Plant Native

Native plants sustain pollinators and birds at every stage of their lives. Did you know caterpillars can only eat the leaves of specific host plants? For example, Monarch caterpillars can only eat milkweed! Native plants also contribute to healthy soil and water quality. They require less water, less toxins, and will save you money.

Avoid pesticides

Pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides harm beneficial insects and our health. By refraining from using synthetic pesticides on your lawn and garden you can protect pollinators and your family.

Year-Round Habitat

Leave fallen leaves, plant stalks and branches in the peripheral areas of your yard and garden. Pollinators shelter here in winter and birds forage here for food. Baby birds can only eat caterpillars that often live in fallen leaves.