The Green Guy: Now is the time to tackle buckthorn

Believe it or not, fall is the best time of year to tackle buckthorn. The pesky and intrusive invasive is most vulnerable when cooler weather rolls in for a couple reasons.

One, it is one of the easiest times to identify the small tree because its leaves persist into winter. Two, like the rest of the plants, it’s pulling nutrients down into the roots for winter storage. That makes it susceptible to chemical treatment that has high chance ending any further growth.

Here’s how easy buckthorn removal can be.

Start by identifying. If it has green leaves still (possibly wilting somewhat) that appea...