Battling buckthorn? It's time to reclaim our landscapes from this invasive threat.
There are two kinds of buckthorn in Wisconsin, Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula).
Both are native to Europe and Asia, and were introduced to North America in the 1800s. They were brought here as an ornamental shrub for use in hedgerows and windbreaks.
Today, this plant is highly invasive and is commonly found in forests, savannas, prairies, and riparian woodlands like ours.
We see them everywhere around Waupaca – rapidly spreading and taking over our landscape.
Look for dark green leaves that bloom early and stay green late into fall. The bark has small, horizontal lenticels (bark spores)
Here's a video from Penn. State to identify buckthorn - here
Similar to the invasive GARLIC MUSTARD (see January invasive HERE), buckthorn's root systems change the surrounding soil composition, so native plants have a difficult time taking root and surviving. They can also grow densely, creating a lot of shade, which inhibits native plant growth.
“Buckthorn aggressively outcompetes native plants and even tricks wildlife into spreading it to new
areas. For example, birds are enticed to eat the berries, but buckthorn berries have a laxative effect,
robbing birds of nutrition and ensuring the seeds are spread quickly across the landscape”
WDNR Forestry News 2021
STRATEGIES TO TACKLE BUCKTHORN
ORGANIC CONTROL / NON-CHEMICAL
There are several ways to tackle buckthorn organically and safely depending on the size of the tree. "No Chemicals" means it's safe for you, and safe for our environment.
Note that seed berries can last up to two years in the soil, so you’ll need to be watchful for young spouts.
HAND PULL - small, young buckthorn
If the buckthorn is small, 3/8th inch trunk or less, you can easily hand pull from
moist soil. If greater than 3/8th inch you can use hand tools to help remove from
the soil. Be sure to get as much root as possible and watch for resprouting. Also
be sure to contact Diggers Hotline (800-242-8511) if digging. Lastly, try not to
disturb the soil too much as this will encourage seeds in the ground to sprout.
CRITICAL CUT METHOD – tree trunks 2 inch diameter or larger.
Like all plants, buckthorn depends on its leaves to store energy in its roots.
Through repeated stripping off of all regrowth, the plant is unable to replenish its
energy, gradually weakening and dying.
This method can be started in the early spring or late fall.
INITIAL CUT - Cut the tree leaving 3 to 5 foot stump early spring. Strip off all side branches and leaves, leaving just the bare tree stump.
LATE FALL- re-strip any regrowth or sprouts ,again leaving just a bare stump.
EARLY SPRING (following year) - re-strip again, leaving only the bare stump.
LATE FALL - re-strip any growth, at this point the plants energy has been fully exhausted and it will not survive another dormant season, you have effectively put an end to the tree without using any herbicides.
Here’s a link describing this method HERE
BUCKTHORN BAGGIE METHOD: 2-inch trunk stem or greater.
This technique uses a black plastic bag to essentially block out all light and trap heat to smother the stump. You can buy the “buckthorn baggies” online, or fashion one on your own.
CUT the buckthorn tree to about a foot or less off the ground. Cover the stump with a black plastic bag all the way to the ground and secure it well with twist ties, rope or rubber bands.
Leave the it for about 12 months depending on size of the stump. Again, you’ve effectively killed the buckthorn without using chemicals.
Here's a link discribing this method HERE
Although the WCOLA does not promote the use of chemicals or herbicides on our land or near our lakeshores, in some cases, if used as directed, they may be needed for the control of buckthorn.
HEBICIDAL OR CHEMICAL TREATMENT:
This herbicide method may be used if removal of buckthorn is proving to be especially difficult. It’s critical herbicides be used according to container directions and take special note of those that should not be used around lakes, ponds and streams.
Buckthorn Blaster is a small, easy to use, handheld applicator designed for precise herbicide application to freshly cut buckthorn stumps. It's used with the herbicide Triclopyr, a selective herbicide that targets only woody plants while minimizing harm to surrounding vegetation.
This method ensures the herbicide is only applied to the targeted plant.
Fill the applicator bottle with diluted Triclopyr herbicide solution (usually mixed with a carrier like bark oil or water, depending on the product label).
Cut the Buckthorn stump, leaving an inch or two above the soil. The cut should be fresh and level to allow better herbicide absorption.
Dab the herbicide directly onto the outer ring (cambium layer only) of the freshly cut stump. AVOID DRENCHING; a thin, even application is enough.
Triclopyr penetrates the stump and travels the root system, killing the plant. Results depend on the size of the tree, but usually a few weeks to several months.
Invasive species- Natures Conservancy video HERE
The process of removing buckthorn may take time, but the results are well worth it. As native plants return and wildlife thrives, the landscape transforms into a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
It’s a powerful reminder that small efforts can lead to big environmental change.
"Don't think about the entire planets problems, instead focus on
the pieces of the earth you can influence" Doug Tallamy
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Waupaca Chain O'Lakes Association
Stewardship and Resources Committee
Chair(s): Julie Mazzoleni, Fawn Johnson