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Battling Buckthorn

Common buckthorn is a non-native shrub or small tree. It was originally brought to this country to be used as a hedge for planting around homes and farms. Buckthorn is a shrub which produces copious amounts of berries which the birds eat and drop throughout the woodland. In the spring, before the native trees get their leaves, and in the fall, after the native trees loose their leaves, buckthorn will still be green. In the absence of consistent fires, buckthorn's fast growth characteristics and ability to re-sprout from a root system allow it to out-compete many of our native trees and shrubs. This is a perfect time to identify it and eradicate it on your property. Simply cut the stem or trunk of the plant close to the ground and treat it with an application of Round-Up. This may have to be done a couple of times over the next few years to completely kill it.

Buckthorn is all too common throughout the many woodlots, and forested yards of Lincolnshire. If left unchecked, this aggressive weed will prevent our native trees and shrubs from regenerating naturally from seed. This means that, as time goes by, the quality of our native forests and open lands will deteriorate until only buckthorn remains.

Fortunately, many proactive Lincolnshire residents have found that with a little bit of work and some follow up maintenance, buckthorn can be effectively eradicated. Since there are no permits required to remove buckthorn in the Village, Lincolnshire residents can improve the natural health of their property by executing the following "3-Step Buckthorn Eradication Process":

1. Remove all of the buckthorn. A chain saw works best, but hand saws or pruners will work well on the smaller plants. If you have a hard time identifying buckthorn, wait until late fall to start your eradication efforts. Buckthorn maintains green leaves longer than the native vegetation, making it easier to identify as winter approaches.

2. Apply herbicide to the stumps and small buckthorn sprouts. The herbicide applications will be most successful when applied as soon as possible after cutting. Round-Up, Trimec, and Garlon 4 are three common herbicides that work well. Herbicides are poison, so remember to read and follow the directions on the product label. Carelessness or misuse of herbicides could cause damage to surrounding vegetation.

3. Continue to apply herbicide to re-sprouts as needed. Buckthorn will adamantly resist any eradication attempts by vigorously re-sprouting from the cut stumps. Monitor your property 3 - 4 times a year and spray any sprouts or fresh seedlings that you find.