Burning bush is an iconic shrub in the New England area. When driving through Harpswell in the fall, one sees innumerable examples of its stunning beauty. The bright red foliage of a burning bush complements many houses and their surrounding landscapes. Additionally, these shrubs often provide desirable privacy screens and a buffer from busy roads for homeowners. There is much to like about a burning bush.
The many visible benefits of burning bush obscure its negative ecological impact, which is so stark that it is no longer sold in Maine. The threat this invasive shrub poses is felt most keenly by native bird populations. Although birds flock to burning bush to devour its berries, the fruits cannot sustain many birds through their full migratory journey. Doug Tallamy, author of “Bringing Nature Home,” likens it to eating potato chips — they taste delicious, and you feel full, but ultimately the chips don’t give you the energy you need.
Birds and small mammals are also the primary means of spread for this invasive bush. They carry the seeds into forests and coastal shrublands, where the seedlings proliferate and outcompete many native plants.
Recognizing the threat burning bush poses to the ecological diversity of our area doesn’t make it easier to remove burning bush from our yards. But once the difficult decision has been made, what is the best and safest way to remove it?
There are several ways to remove an invasive shrub. For small plants, the entire root system can be dug up, bagged, and taken to a site for invasive yard waste — not a compost pile. Harpswell’s Recycling Center and Transfer Station provides guidelines for the disposal of invasive plants on the town website at harpswell.maine.gov/recycling.
If the shrub is large, a better choice might be to cut it down to a stump and wrap it tightly with black plastic to prevent sunlight from reaching it, thereby stopping its growth. Similarly, the plant may be cut down repeatedly to exhaust its new growth.
If the burning bush is at least 25 feet from a water source, a herbicide can be used. The bush should be cut to the ground late in the season. Immediately after cutting, the stump must be painted with herbicide. The herbicide will be taken up by the roots and will kill the plant systemically. Finally, it may be necessary to hire a landscaper or seek professional assistance to safely and effectively remove burning bush — particularly on steep hillsides.
Once a burning bush has been removed, there is the question of how to fill the resulting gap. The aesthetic benefits of burning bush are not easily replaced. However, there are many beautiful native shrubs that provide sustenance to pollinators, birds and mammals.
Some plants to consider include highbush blueberry, chokeberry and winterberry. These shrubs have evolved alongside our native species and provide the pollen, fruit and shelter they require. When you remove invasives in your yard and replace them with natives, you can feel reassured that the benefits will be felt far into the future.
For more information about the Harpswell Invasive Plant Partnership and burning bush removal, visit hippmaine.org.
