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 appear glossy with prominent veins and small teeth along the edge, along with a thorn or something near to the tip, it very likely is buckthorn. If you see dark blackish round berries in clusters (female trees) or yellow and orange hues beneath the bark when cut, it’s probably buckthorn. If you’re still not sure, a quick internet search will provide clear pictures and guides.

Now to treat. I’d suggest using the cut-stump method where you simply cut the shrub down at its lowest point on the main trunk and immediately proceed to paint it with Round-Up Concentrate (glycophosphate 18 percent or more). Normal Round-Up won’t do here as it’s only 1-2 percent potency. And that’s it.

To make things easier, I’d suggest using food coloring or something similar to dye the herbicide so you know what you treated. Warning: do not simply cut the tree and expect things will be resolved. Your buckthorn will grow back with a vengeance and sprout out numerous shoots to make a thick mess that’s even harder to handle.

Last note, with the brush, consider leaving it in small piles nearby to naturally decay and provide habitat (the best option). Otherwise, the wood could be cut and burned safely in a fire pit or chipped in place. A last option would be to contact your local municipalities and see if they have any dump sites appropriate for the debris. Keep in mind, the best thing to do is to try not to move buckthorn around as the seeds could be transported and inadvertently spread.

Search online or call our office for more help.

Chris Gass is the education and outreach coordinator for the Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District whose columns focus on environmental topics and stewardship.