Cuyahoga Falls is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The city has recently updated its codified ordinance to include seven new “nuisance” plants, signaling a renewed focus on protecting local ecosystems and promoting native plant life. This decision, finalized at the January 27th City Council meeting, aims to curb the spread of invasive species that can outcompete and harm native flora.
Weeding Out the Problem
The newly added plants include some notorious spreaders: burdock, thistles, leafy spurge, field bindweed, tree of heaven, sumac, and bamboo. While some might find a certain charm in the pink blossoms of field bindweed or the towering presence of bamboo, these plants can aggressively overtake gardens and natural habitats, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the balance of local ecosystems.
Bryce Pulley, Public Utilities and Community Outreach Coordinator for Cuyahoga Falls, emphasized the importance of this decision: “All of the new plants added, due to how aggressively they spread, can harm and reduce a diverse population of native plants from being established”.
A Balanced Approach
Interestingly, the council also voted to remove goldenrod from the nuisance list, recognizing its vital role as a pollinator-friendly plant. This highlights the city’s nuanced understanding of plant ecology and its commitment to supporting beneficial species. The city understands that the term “invasive” often gets confused with “non-native,” but it is key to remember that native plants can also be invasive, like sumac, ragweed, and thistles.
What This Means for Residents
While the updated ordinance doesn’t mandate the immediate removal of these plants from private properties, it does empower the city to address situations where these species are causing demonstrable harm, such as spreading to neighboring properties or public spaces.
Rob Kurtz, Planning Director, clarified that enforcement will be complaint-based or triggered by inspections, focusing on cases where the plants are negatively impacting the environment. “It’s gonna be based on a complaint or an inspection,” he said, “maybe a drive-by inspection”.
Promoting Naturalized Landscaping
This move aligns with the city’s General Development Code, which already prohibits the use of these plants in naturalized landscaping projects. Naturalized landscapes prioritize native plants and trees, fostering environments that mimic natural ecosystems. By reinforcing this approach, Cuyahoga Falls encourages residents and developers to embrace sustainable landscaping practices that benefit the environment and enhance the community’s natural beauty.
A Call to Action for Gardeners
The decision in Cuyahoga Falls serves as a reminder for gardeners to be mindful of the plants they introduce into their landscapes. Choosing native and non-aggressive species not only supports local biodiversity but also reduces the risk of inadvertently contributing to ecological imbalances.
