If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Franklin Soil and Water to confirm there is still availability. Email us at communitybackyards@franklinswcd.orgResidents of participating communities can receive
$100-$150 incentive for removing an invasive tree or shrub and replacing it with a new native tree or shrub. With this program, we want to reduce the number of invasive plants in our communities and encourage residents to plant new native trees and shrubs instead. Thank you to the City of New Albany who helped us pilot this program in 2024. In 2025, we are excited to announce that the program has expanded to other communities!
THE PROBLEM WITH INVASIVE PLANTS
Invasive plants are non-native, aggressive plants that take over natural areas and push out native species. Invasive species are detrimental to our woodlands and natural areas. Although an invasive plant might not take over your yard, invasive plants easily spread to nearby natural areas via humans, wind, and wildlife. Without native plants, many pollinators and wildlife simply cannot survive. Furthermore, since 2010, i
nvasive species have cost North America $26 billion per year in harm. This economic harm has a significant impact on the agricultural industry.
These 5 plants are the most problematic invasive plants in Central Ohio that we want removed:
Click on each name above to learn more about each invasive plant and the best removal practices.
PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES
The program has expanded for 2025. Residents in the following tax districts are eligible for the following incentives:
- Columbus $100
- Grove City $100
- New Albany $150
- Reynoldsburg $100
- Westerville $100* - Callery & Bradford Pears Only
These are
first come, first served, very limited quantity. If you plan on participating, please reach out before doing it to confirm availability!
If eligible, you must follow these steps to get the incentive:
- First, reach out to Franklin Soil and Water via email at communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org to ensure there is still availability first. These are limited quantity, first-come, first-served.
- Remove at least one invasive tree or shrub. The invasive plant removed must be from this list above, or it could be another invasive tree/shrub with prior approval from Franklin Soil and Water. Take pictures of your removed invasive plants.
- Buy and plant at least one new NATIVEtree or shrub on your property to receive the incentive. Cultivars of native plants are acceptable - such as 'Winter Red' Winterberry - Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'. However, no invasive or non-natives will be accepted. Once planted in the ground, take pictures of the newly planted trees or shrubs.
- Submit your pictures and receipts to Franklin Soil & Water who will then mail you an incentive check. Receipt must be itemized, printed, and from a legitimate retailer or store.
SUBMIT HERE!
FAQS & IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
- These incentives are limited and subject to availability. Limit one per household per year.
- You must live in a participating tax district to qualify per the Franklin County Auditor.
- This is a SEPARATE program offering from Community Backyards rebates - meaning you can do BOTH programs within the same year.
- This program is NOT applicable to removal or plantings in the public right-of-way or tree lawn. This is typically the area between your street and sidewalk. For trees in the public right-of-way, please contact your municipality for assistance and ask for street tree program information. This is because they own it - not you!
- If we run out, we will update this web page and the submission form.
Questions? Contact Franklin Soil & Water at 614-486-9613 or
CommunityBackyards@franklinswcd.org.