The City of Guelph is resuming its annual efforts to remove invasive plants from local parks, trails, and natural areas this spring. Public Works crews will be working to manage harmful species, including buckthorn, dog-strangling vine, and wild parsnip, through mechanical removal and targeted herbicide treatments.
Most trails and park facilities will remain open to the public while this work is underway. Residents are asked to stay out of marked areas, as crews will post signs where treatments are actively taking place.
This program has been running for six to seven years, focusing on restoring the health of local landscapes. It is closely connected to efforts to manage the impact of the emerald ash borer, as the loss of ash trees often leaves gaps in the forest canopy that allow invasive plants to thrive. In 2024, the city treated 41 hectares of land across 68 different sites.
The city has seen successes through these efforts, which have been bolstered by the Guelph Park Stewards Network, which includes active volunteer groups that help remove invasive plants and plant native vegetation in local parks.
Crews use specific treatments tailored to each species, such as Garlon™ RTU for buckthorn and Roundup WeatherPro® for Japanese knotweed, dog-strangling vine, phragmites, and giant hogweed. Residents play a key role in these ongoing efforts and are encouraged to report sightings of invasive plants to the City of Guelph.
