The old farm had seen better days. Once a productive landscape, the farmland with its depleted soil was abandoned, and eventually sold for modern housing. The windrow had become a tangled mess of invasive trees, shrubs, and vines, escaped into the yard and became unmanageable.
Watch the “before” video:
One section was completely surrounded by barberry and rose bushes. These invasives had taken over, suffocating the native plants and trees. Even the healthier trees in the middle were struggling, their branches and leaves smothered by the invasive growth.
After carefully clearing the bump-out, we were able to reclaim the land, leaving nothing but native plants. The once-overgrown section is now revitalized, with healthy trees and native flora taking center stage. The video showcases the transformation—a testament to the power of regenerative landscaping and woodland restoration.
As we began the restoration process, we took special care to save certain plants, preserving them temporarily for protection. These plants have been reintroduced later to ensure they thrive. We’ve already identified the ideal spots for planting, setting the stage for a well-planned rejuvenation.
And we found caterpillars on the witch hazel in the first season! Already doing its job, providing food for birds.
If your property is getting overgrown with invasives and is in need of some TLC, call Poison Ivy Patrol at (845) 687-9528 to schedule a consultation.