Definitions
 (invasive, exotic, native, & naturalized) under construction 

Useful links for invasive plant species:
Invasivespecies.gov (for Virginia)

VA Natural Heritage Program

VA Native Plant Society

An abandoned property with invasive plant species exploiting an opportunity (Richmond, VA).

My research question... Are invasive plant species a broken window? Should invasive plant species be treated like graffiti?

Many thoughts and images to add later in the summer.

Invasive plant species have the ability to disrupt and degrade natural and urban ecosystems. For example, an invasive plant species left uncheck can rapidly spread through a park ruining the appearance and displacing native and naturalized plant species. Any element in an urban landscape that results in disorder can be considered a broken window and should be avoided or repaired as soon as possible.  

Invasive plant species can remain undetected in alleys, abandoned properties, and poorly maintained landscapes while growing to maturity. Once mature, invasive plant species can produce incredibly large numbers of seeds to rapidly occupy available growing spaces, and sadly, muscle out established landscape plants. Once established, it's very difficult to manage invasive species. I'm using the term manage because it is unlikely one can control or eliminate invasive plant species. The costs in attempting to control invasive species added to the related agricultural losses equals $34.7 billion each year in the United States (Swearingen, et al. 2002). This number will certainly be higher when one considers the impact invasive plant species are having on contributing to crime in urban areas.

Residential Landscapes
Crime prevention specialists encourage residents to keep with the maintenance of their house and landscape to reinforce territoriality. Neighbors living close to an abandoned, or poorly maintained, property may suffer reduced property values. This situation is even worse if that blighted property is harboring invasive plant species. 

Parks & Natural Areas
it's obvious that invasive plant species in parks and natural areas degrade the natural beauty of the area and may discourage citizen from using these natural spaces. Invasive plant species may have an additional impact on these natural areas by discouraging recreational act ivies. Native plant species can impact these natural areas on land and in the water (aquatic invasives). Activities which may be adversely impacted include: boating, fishing, bird watching, exploring, camping, hiking, and picnicking.

Reference

Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, & S. Zwicker. 2002. Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 82 pp.