The fall season presents an opportunity for those who wish to treat infestations of buckthorn. 

Common and Glossy buckthorn are both classified as noxious weeds by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and are an invasive plant. This shrub or small tree has become a major threat to North American ecosystems.  It can outcompete native vegetation and it is a favorite place to overwinter for the soybean aphid.

Fall is an opportune time to treat buckthorn as it retains its green leaves long after most other trees have gone dormant. It stands out and is easier to treat plus there is less chance of overspray killing native trees. 

If you have buckthorn on your property, now is the time to treat it. Pennington County AG Services and Pennington Soil and Water Conservation District have advice on how to treat your buckthorn. They also have buckthorn blaster kits used to treat buckthorn using the “cut-stump” method. These kits are available for free, while they last, to Pennington County residents who have a sincere interest in removing buckthorn from their property.

Contact Pennington County Ag Services from 7:30-12:30 at 218-683-7030 or Pennington SWCD at 218-683-7075 for more information.