Pick Immediately: Invasive Plant Is ‘Everywhere’ In the Hudson Valley

Residents across New York state seem to all be experiencing the same thing: a startling rise in saplings of one of New York's most frustrating invasive trees.

From the spotted lanternfly to the awful-smelling Bradford pear, invasive species in New York cause problems for people and wildlife alike. While the way they were introduced to our state varies, their effect is widely the same: native wildlife suffers while invasive species thrive. This year, one tree might be causing residents more trouble than usual.

Invasive Norway Maple Trees in New York State

The tree in question, the Norway maple, was originally planted on purpose. Ecologists soon found out, however, how fast the tree could spread its seeds and how well its leafy canopy could block sunlight from native plants. While there are ways to deal with grown versions of the Norway maple (learn about girdling here), it's better to stop the problem before it starts.

Are There More Norway Maple Trees in New York This Year?

Nearly every New Yorkers with property has noticed the same thing this spring: an abundance of tiny Norway maple saplings sprouting in their yards. "Ugh! Hundreds of them in my gardens this year!", lamented one gardener. "I’ve noticed way more than last year!", agreed another. Some residents with Norway maple experience issued a dire warning: "You'll be sorry if you don't get them out soon".

Identifying Norway Maple Trees in New York

The small saplings can be identified by two reddish-green leaves that look more shiny than matte (at a quick glance, New Yorkers wouldn't be blamed for mistaking them for tiny poison ivy plants). Gardeners report that their root system grows fast, meaning that the sooner they're spotted, the easier they are to pluck.

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Addressing invasive plant species in New York will help the natural environment thrive, and while the Norway maple may be less of a threat that the pest-hosting tree of heaven or less stinky than the above-mentioned Bradford pear, it still has no place in New York forests. Check out other invasive species in New York below.