Chinese Privet Removal Initiative

Ligustrum sinense, also referred to as Chinese privet, is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree in the Oleaceae (olive) family that grows 6 to 13 feet tall. It has become an invasive weed in the southeastern US that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Plants form dense thickets and produce toxic berries, invading fields, fencerows, roadsides, forest understories, and riparian sites. The shrub can shade out and exclude native understory species and prevent natural regeneration of native trees. Overall, privet causes notable reductions of ecological quality and recreational use of open spaces and natural habitats.

Targeted privet removal is necessary to improve the health of natural areas and increase the use and enjoyment of public land. Environmental Services and Parks and Recreation Departments have developed procedures for targeted removal that promotes long-term solutions to eliminate this plant and restore the characteristics and functions of public open space and habitat on public land.

This site will be used as an educational platform, provide updates for the Denton community, and inform on the efforts the City of Denton is doing to restore the habitats throughout the city.

Website resources:
Texasinvasives.org
USDA
Texas State University Invasives.org
Research Paper - Alabama Control options
Forest Service Mechanical Removal of Chinese Privet
Identification and Control of Invasice Privets
Invasion of Eastern Texas Forestlands by Chinese Privet
Summary of Chinese Privet and Control Methods
Research Paper - Stump Treatments