Buckthorn Removal - The Struggle is Real
by
Dan330
We have some acreage in an inner tier suburb. Our property borders public land designated as open space. Buckthorn has taken hold in our area and gradually our property was nearly overtaken.
See how thick buckthorn covers the ground?
Several years after it began, our attempt at buckthorn removal from our property is still ongoing. This is one nasty plant. It has lot's of staying power and just when you think you may have beaten it, up pops more of this capable enemy. The struggle is real.
Close up of buckthorn. See all the thorns?
Not only is this plant a survivor, it fights back too. There's a reason that "thorn" is in the name. A careless grab of a buckthorn will sober you up and make you much more careful in future handling of this plant. Check out the short branches on the picture above. If you look close they end in thorn. If you accidentally rub up against a buckthorn with bare skin you will most likely get some nasty scratches and the plant will probably draw first blood. Wearing a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops while clearing buckthorn is not a good idea.
Part of the woods on our property cleared.
When clearing buckthorn it is important to get the roots. If it is too large and you have to cut the buckthorn. Treat the stump with a brush killer.
Clipping small buckthorn
For more on buckthorn removal, please watch the video below and visit our website.
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Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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2 comments
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I admire your tenacity. I have a Russian Olive infestation in my back 4 acres. I got them cleaned out of my lawn for the most part - 3 stubborn spots left and gave the back 4 acres over to the deer and other animals. The thorns on Russian Olive look a lot like your buckthorn.
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Had some buckthorn growing in and around our gas meter. I kept cutting it back and it kept growing back. I finally brought a branch to a garden center and they identified it and told me to use the brush killer. After I did that we had no more problems with it. I can't imagine having to deal with it on the whole yard.
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