Lastly, the restorationist might resort to physical or chemical methods of controlling exotics by actively weeding the site until the natives are firmly established or, in cases where mechanical means are not sufficient, applying herbicides periodically until the natives are successfully out-competing the weeds. They discovered that revegetating with plants raised in a slightly different environment than that of the restoration site might lead to lower plant survival rates, and, importantly, might contaminate the gene pools of natural areas near the restoration site. This latter point is especially relevant when restoring sensitive habitats, reintroducing rare plant species and when working with plants which hybridize easily. Restorationists should insure that they use native species harvested from the local area. Restorationists can acquire native seed and plant material from a native plants nursery or can harvest seed themselves.
Different plants have different requirements on over-winter seed storage.