Long‐term plant community dynamics following Russian olive removal and vegetation restoration

Russian olive ( Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) is a non‐native tree invading riparian areas across the western United States. It is frequently the target of restoration through removal, but restoration success has been variable, and reinvasion and secondary invasion can occur in restored areas. Revegetation following removal is often considered necessary to reduce secondary invasion because of the substantial soil disturbance involved with tree removal. We experimentally assessed the long‐term impact of Russian olive removal and subsequent revegetation with different plant functional groups on ecological function in an invaded riparian ecosystem. We found that revegetation treatments reduced perennial grass invasion but did not contribute to ecological function in other capacities. As such, revegetation is necessary if the primary post‐removal goal is preventing non‐native perennial grass reinvasion. However, it will not increase native riparian woody species abundance, reduce secondary annual grass invasion, limit reinvasion by Russian olive, or increase floral resources.