New Program Announcement

• Do you and your neighbors hate all of the buckthorn that has invaded your neighborhood?
• Do you see buckthorn where native shrubs and wildflowers used to grow?
• Would you like to do something about it but feel overwhelmed with what to do with all of the buckthorn once you cut it down?

Then apply for the City of Burnsville’s "Nominate Your Neighborhood Buckthorn Brush Pick-Up Program." Click here to find out more.


Buckthorn Removal in Your Backyard

Do you have buckthorn in your yard? You are not alone. Most shady areas in Burnsville that are not mowed or actively managed will eventually produce buckthorn. The invasive shrub is spread by birds that eat buckthorn berries. The berries act as a laxative in birds and seeds are quickly deposited in new locations.


Why is buckthorn a problem? Buckthorn invades natural ecosystems, quickly outcompeting native woodland plants for light, water, and nutrients. Unlike native plants, buckthorn has no natural insect or animal predators here to keep the population under control. Buckthorn prevents regeneration of native trees and over time, turns a healthy forest into a shrubby thicket of buckthorn (see photos below). With little else that can grow beneath it, it exposes forest soils to erosion. The berries can also be very messy.












             

                 Healthy forest floor                                    Buckthorn invaded forest floor


You can help with the buckthorn problem by starting in your own backyard!
To remove buckthorn, you will need lots of energy and patience.  Controlling buckthorn is a multi-year process as buckthorn seeds can germinate up to six years after they fell from their parent plant. These new plants will need to be controlled well after the initial removal is complete. However, buckthorn control on both public and private properties will benefit the entire urban forest community.


Where to start?
The information provided in the links below will walk you through identifying, removing, treatment with herbicide and what to do when buckthorn is gone.

Identifying Buckthorn

Removal Method – Pulling

Removal Method – Cutting

Tips on Herbicide Use

Disposal of Buckthorn

Replacement Plantings



What services does the City provide to help residents?

Tool Rental
The City has a tool available for rent (with a $150 returnable deposit) called a weed wrench that will pull small buckthorn up by the roots. Click here for more information.

Nominate Your Neighborhood
The City recently started a pilot program for neighborhood groups who are willing to work together to remove large amounts of buckthorn. If your application is selected, your group will receive a free buckthorn brush pick up after your neighborhood holds a buckthorn removal event. Click here for more info.

Buckthorn Drop-Off Event in October
The City will open up its private compost facility for buckthorn brush drop-off, free of charge, during weekends in October (Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28) from 8 am until 4 pm.
The city compost facility is next to the city archery range (12151 Pleasant Avenue, near the junction of I-35W and Cliff Road).  Please note that ONLY buckthorn will be accepted on these weekends, and the City compost site is normally closed to the public. 


Additional resources

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources buckthorn page
Document: Buckthorn:What you should know, what you can do

Still have questions? Contact the City Natural Resources Department at 952-895-4543 or email at e-mail