Buckthorn Removal in Central Minnesota: A Complete Guide

The Unseen Threat to Minnesota’s Landscapes: Why Buckthorn Removal is Crucial

Across Central Minnesota, from the suburbs of St. Cloud to the edges of the Twin Cities, a silent invasion is underway. Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and its cousin, glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), are aggressively taking over our woodlands, parks, and backyards. These invasive species might look like just another green shrub, but they pose a significant threat to the health and beauty of our native ecosystems. For homeowners and nature lovers in areas like Sartell and beyond, understanding and addressing the buckthorn problem is a critical step in preserving Minnesota’s natural heritage.

At Timber & Native, our team of ISA Certified Arborists specializes in Invasive Species Control, and we’ve seen firsthand the damage buckthorn can cause. This guide will walk you through why buckthorn is so detrimental, how to identify it, and the most effective methods for buckthorn removal in MN, empowering you to reclaim your landscape.

Identifying the Enemy: What is Buckthorn?

Before you can tackle buckthorn removal, you need to be sure you’re dealing with the right plant. Buckthorn is often mistaken for native shrubs like cherry or plum. Here are key characteristics to look for:

• Leaves: Oval-shaped, finely toothed, and they stay green late into the fall after most native plants have lost their leaves.
• Bark: Dark and rough, often with light-colored, horizontal lenticels (pores). The inner bark is a distinctive orange color.
• Thorns: True to its name, common buckthorn often has a small thorn at the tip of its branches.
• Berries: Female plants produce clusters of small, black berries that are eagerly eaten by birds, which is a primary way the plant spreads.

The Ecological Damage Caused by Invasive Buckthorn in St. Cloud and Beyond

The term “invasive” isn’t just a label; it describes a plant that actively harms the environment it colonizes. Here’s why buckthorn is bad for our beloved Central Minnesota and Twin Cities landscapes:

1. Outcompetes Native Plants: Buckthorn leafs out early and holds its leaves late, creating dense shade that prevents native wildflowers, shrubs, and even tree seedlings from getting the sunlight they need to survive. This disrupts the entire forest understory.
2. Degrades Soil Quality: Studies have shown that buckthorn alters soil chemistry, increasing nitrogen levels. This might sound beneficial, but it creates conditions that favor other weedy, non-native species and can harm the delicate balance of soil microorganisms.
3. Harms Wildlife: While birds eat the berries, they have a laxative effect and offer poor nutrition. More importantly, the loss of native plant diversity means less food and habitat for the insects, birds, and mammals that depend on a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
4. Acts as a Host for Pests: Common buckthorn is a host for the crown rust fungus, which can infect oat crops, and is also a preferred host for the soybean aphid, a significant agricultural pest in the Midwest.

How to Permanently Remove Buckthorn: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Getting rid of buckthorn for good requires persistence and the right strategy. A single-tactic approach is rarely successful. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods for how to remove buckthorn permanently, often used in combination by professionals.

Mechanical Removal

• Hand Pulling: For small seedlings and saplings (less than 3/8 inch in diameter), hand-pulling can be effective, especially when the soil is moist. Tools like an Uprooter or Root Talon can provide extra leverage for slightly larger plants.
• Cutting and Mowing: For larger infestations, cutting the shrubs to the ground can be a first step. However, buckthorn will re-sprout vigorously from the cut stump. This method must be followed by an herbicide treatment or repeated cutting over several years to exhaust the plant’s energy reserves.

Chemical Treatment

For larger, established buckthorn, chemical treatment is often the most effective and efficient long-term solution. It is crucial to apply herbicides carefully and according to the label to protect yourself and the surrounding environment.

• Cut-Stump Treatment: This is a targeted and highly effective method. After cutting the buckthorn stem, a concentrated herbicide (typically containing glyphosate or triclopyr) is immediately applied to the cut surface of the stump. This is best done in the late fall when the plant is transporting nutrients down to its roots.
• Basal Bark Treatment: This method involves spraying a band of herbicide mixed with a penetrating oil around the entire base of the buckthorn stem. This can be done at any time of year, except when snow or water prevents spraying the bottom 12-18 inches of the stem.

The Importance of Professional Help

While DIY methods can work for small-scale problems, tackling a significant buckthorn infestation can be overwhelming and even dangerous if not done correctly. A professional Invasive Species Control service like Timber & Native brings the expertise and equipment needed to do the job safely and effectively. Our ISA Certified Arborists can accurately identify buckthorn, choose the right removal method for your specific property, and develop a long-term management plan to prevent re-infestation. We serve the entire Central MN region, including St. Cloud and the Twin Cities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buckthorn Removal

When is the best time to remove buckthorn?

The best time for buckthorn removal depends on the method. Late fall is the ideal time for cut-stump herbicide treatments because the plant is actively sending resources to its roots, which helps transport the herbicide throughout the root system for a more effective kill. Hand-pulling small plants is easiest in the spring or fall when the soil is moist. Basal bark treatments can be done any time the stems are not wet and are clear of snow.

Why is buckthorn bad?

Buckthorn is an invasive species that causes significant ecological harm. It outcompetes native Minnesota plants for sunlight and nutrients, degrades soil quality, and disrupts the food web for local wildlife. It also serves as a host for agricultural pests like the soybean aphid and crown rust fungus, impacting our local economy.

How do you permanently remove buckthorn?

Permanent removal requires a persistent, multi-step approach. Small seedlings can be pulled by hand. Larger shrubs must be either repeatedly cut back to exhaust their root systems or, more effectively, treated with an appropriate herbicide after cutting. A cut-stump or basal bark treatment is typically necessary to kill the extensive root system and prevent re-sprouting. Following up for a few years to remove any new seedlings is crucial for long-term success.

Reclaim Your Landscape with Timber & Native

Removing buckthorn is a tough job, but it’s a vital step in restoring the health and beauty of your property and our shared Minnesota environment. Whether you have a few stubborn shrubs or a full-blown invasion, you don’t have to tackle it alone.

Contact Timber & Native today for a free consultation. Our ISA Certified Arborists have the expertise in Invasive Species Control to effectively and safely remove buckthorn from your property in St. Cloud, the Twin Cities, and throughout Central Minnesota. Let us help you bring back the native beauty of your landscape.