News

Alexandria launching invasive species management program

By James Cullum
Japanese honeysuckles are an invasive species (via Facebook)

Starting this month, Alexandria will begin eradicating invasive plants in the Wilkes Street Tunnel and at several city parks.

Residents and visitors can expect some temporary fencing around affected areas, as the city will be making herbicide treatments and other “control” methods. Some of the invasive species that will be eradicated include Japanese honeysuckle, tree of heaven, English ivy, mimosa trees, and Oriental bittersweet.

“Herbicide treatment and control methods will vary depending on the location and species type,” the city said. “Residents can expect to see signage at treatment sites with more specific details. Some areas will also have temporary fencing for extra caution.”

A comprehensive list of the affected species and areas is provided below.

Friday, October 10: Wilkes Street Tunnel (Between S. Royal Street and S. Fairfax Street)

  • Focus: invasive vines
  • Due to the sensitivity of native plants and the historical importance of the tunnel, treated vegetation will be left to decay naturally instead of being removed immediately.

Mid-October: Hensley Park (4200 Eisenhower Ave.)

  • Focus: Broadleaf invasive trees, shrubs and plants
  • The treatment will take place in the forested area east of the baseball field and broken into three sections. Treated species type include, but not limited to, Oriental bittersweet, Tree of heaven, Bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckles, Multiflora rose, and Mimosa tree. It is recommended this area receive additional follow-up treatments annually for three years.

End of October: Mount Jefferson Park (301 Hume Ave.)

  • Focus: Tree of heaven and English ivy
  • This treatment is part of a multi-phase plan. Tree of heaven and English ivy will be addressed first, with restoration to follow. Because Tree of heaven can resprout quickly if cut, multiple treatments may be needed, with reassessment 30 to 60 days after chemical application. All work will follow best practices in coordination with the Urban Forestry team.

Monday, November 24: Goat Hill Park (35 Kennedy St.)

  • Focus: Kudzu
  • Kudzu will be cut near the base of the trunk and treated directly on the stump. For safety reasons and to avoid damage to trees, vines will not be pulled off and instead left to decay naturally over time.

Early 2026 (date TBD): Four Mile Run Park Kayak Launch

  • Focus: Tree of heaven and maintaining clear sightlines along the boardwalk.

Image via Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.