It looks innocent enough. The tangle of green vines, the soft yellow-white blooms, and the sweet scent drifting through the yard in early summer. Honeysuckle almost feels nostalgic, but for many Ohio homeowners, what starts as a charming shrub quickly becomes a sprawling, smothering problem.
So, is honeysuckle invasive? The short answer: yes. If it’s growing on your property, now is the time to take a closer look.
What Makes Honeysuckle Invasive in Ohio?
Invasive species are plants that grow aggressively, spread quickly, and displace native vegetation. In Ohio, several types of honeysuckle fit that description all too well. Most particularly are Amur honeysuckle, Morrow’s honeysuckle, and Tatarian honeysuckle. These bush honeysuckles were introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s for ornamental and erosion control purposes, but they’ve since outcompeted many native plants.
Here’s why they’re a problem:
- They leaf out earlier in spring and hold their leaves later into fall, shading out other plants
- Their dense thickets crowd out native wildflowers, grasses, and tree seedlings
- Their berries attract birds, which spread seeds over wide areas
- They alter soil chemistry and light availability, changing entire ecosystems over time
According to the Ohio Invasive Plants Council, bush honeysuckle is one of the most widespread and ecologically damaging invasive shrubs in the state. In forest edges, urban parks, and even residential neighborhoods, it’s silently transforming the landscape.
How to Spot Invasive Honeysuckle
If you’ve got shrubs growing along fence lines or woodland edges, especially ones that seem to thrive without help, there’s a good chance honeysuckle is part of the mix.
Here’s what to look for:
- Opposite leaves (growing in pairs) that are oval and smooth-edged
- Hollow stems (snap one and check—native lookalikes often have solid stems)
- Red or orange berries in late summer to fall
- Clusters of fragrant tubular flowers, usually white fading to yellow
In winter, you can often spot bush honeysuckle because it stays green or keeps leaves longer than most native plants.
Why You Should Remove Honeysuckle
The longer honeysuckle is allowed to spread, the harder it becomes to control. Left alone, it can:
- Outcompete your landscaping: Native trees and flowers can’t thrive under dense honeysuckle shade
- Attract ticks: Thick honeysuckle stands are a favorite habitat for deer, and their parasites
- Lower biodiversity: A honeysuckle-dominated yard loses the birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects that rely on diverse native plants
- Make tree care more difficult: Invasives often crowd tree bases, complicating pruning and removal
What starts as a few shrubs at the edge of your lot can quickly choke out desirable plants and spread into neighboring properties. It’s far easier to deal with early than after it’s taken hold.
What Removal Looks Like: Professional Honeysuckle Control
Removing honeysuckle effectively requires more than just a pair of pruners. That’s where we come in.
At Harrison’s Pro Tree Service, we offer comprehensive honeysuckle management services for residential and commercial properties throughout the Miami Valley. Whether you have a single trouble spot or an entire fence line overtaken, we tailor our approach based on the site, season, and severity.
Our process includes:
- Assessment to determine which species and how extensive the infestation is
- Mechanical removal of shrubs and roots by hand or equipment
- Targeted herbicide application (when appropriate) to prevent regrowth
- Follow-up plans to restore native growth and prevent reinfestation
Our licensed team handles every step with safety, care, and respect for the surrounding landscape. And if you’re not sure whether the plants on your property are truly invasive, we’ll help you ID them with confidence.
Want to Learn More? Here’s a Trusted Local Resource
If you’d like to explore further, the Ohio Invasive Plants Council maintains a helpful database of invasive species known to impact our region, including several types of honeysuckle. Their work supports landowners, naturalists, and professionals working to restore Ohio’s native habitats.
It’s a great place to start if you want to dig deeper into what you’re seeing on your own property.
Not Sure Where to Start? Let’s Walk Your Property Together
Dealing with invasive honeysuckle might seem like a weekend chore, but without the right tools and plan, it often turns into a season-long headache. Our team is here to help you reclaim your yard and restore a healthier, more manageable landscape.
Whether you need full-scale removal or just want a professional opinion, we’re happy to talk.
Serving Springboro, Franklin, Centerville, and surrounding areas
Ready for a consultation? Visit our Contact Page to get started.
