Invasive Species & Deer-Resistant Plantings
How to remove common invasive plants and choose deer-resistant trees in Saugatuck.
Invasive species
Asian bittersweet
Cut vines at the base and pull roots; do not let berries spread.
Japanese barberry
Pull or dig small shrubs, roots included, before berries form.
Japanese knotweed
Cut repeatedly through the season and bag all cuttings.
Spotted knapweed
Hand pull with gloves before it flowers and bag the plants.
Phragmites (common reed)
Treatment is most effective in late summer; contact a licensed applicator for large stands.
Tree of heaven
Pull seedlings; treat larger trees so they do not resprout from roots.
Purple loosestrife
Dig out plants and roots before seed set and bag them.
Garlic mustard
Hand pull before seeds mature, bag it, do not compost.
Deer tips
- Rotate repellents
- Install physical barriers
- Vary your plantings
Deer-resistant trees
Research by members of the Saugatuck Parks and Public Works Committee.
- Blue Point Juniper
- Blue Ice Cypress
- Carolina Sapphire Cypress
- Eastern Red Cedar
- White Dogwood
- Thornless Honeylocust
- Quaking Aspen
- Shadblow Serviceberry
- Ninebark
Related
Questions? Call City Hall at (269) 857-2603 or send a message.