Tips for late winter buckthorn removal

Winter might seem like a strange time for buckthorn removal, but there are plenty of reasons to tackle this invasive now rather than later: there’s no heat, humidity or mosquitoes; the days are growing longer and warmer already; and dressing in winter layers reduces the risk of buckthorn scratches. The most compelling reason for removing buckthorn now? More time this summer for fun activities!

Let’s start with a few words about stumps. If you tackle buckthorn removal in the late winter, consider cutting stumps high and applying herbicide later for two reasons: it’s easier to do one step at a time, and below-freezing temperatures can make the use of water-based herbicides difficult. If you decided to apply herbicide later, follow these stump tips.

• A fresh cut is necessary for absorption of water-based herbicide, so for now, cut your stumps high—one foot tall or more—to allow for another cut later. Tall stumps are also a visual reminder that herbicide has not yet been applied.
• When snow melts, stumps can be re-cut to one or two inches from the ground and herbicide applied to fresh-cut stumps. Treat the stumps before April 30.
• Only the first growth rings of the stump (near the bark) need to be treated with herbicide, but the cut must be fresh.
• Glyphosate is a good water-based herbicide that is less harmful than other brush herbicides. It is the active ingredient in several popular herbicide brands. Apply it to stumps at 20% concentration.
• Wick (sponge) applicators are a great way to apply herbicide directly to the stump, reducing the risk of exposure to the applicator and the environment. “Buckthorn Blasters™” are a great new inexpensive tool for this.

More buckthorn control tips

• Before you cut: identify and mark native plants, so they don’t get harmed during removal.
• Prioritize removals, since some are more urgent than others.
  • First, remove female buckthorn because they produce black fruit with seeds
  • Then, clear buckthorn from around native plants and take steps to protect those plants from rabbits and deer.
  • Finally, remove any non-native honeysuckle you find—it’s the second most invasive woodland shrub.
• Don’t scrape the woods clean. Recycle some of the wood by placing logs on slopes and chipping brush on site.

To learn more, attend a buckthorn workshop at the Minnetonka Community Center. They are usually scheduled in March, September and October of each year. Visit the city’s website at www.eminnetonka.com and search “buckthorn.”