Buckthorn Bust Neighborhood Guide

DEVELOPED BY TREE TRUST FOR: City of Saint Paul, Division of Parks and Recreation

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

FUNDING PROVIDED BY: USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, an equal opportunity provider

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ...... ii WORKSHEETS, HANDOUTS, ETC. a - Bust Your Own Buckthorn: Individual Buckthorn Handout b - Planning Checklist for a Buckthorn Bust c - Suggested Planning Calendar The Problem with Buckthorn ...... 1 d - Committee Worksheet 1 e - Treasurer’s Expense Report Form f - Fundraising Worksheet g - Volunteer Sign-up Sheet Identifying Buckthorn ...... 2 2 h - Buckthorn Bust Participation Form i - Before Buckthorn Bust Worksheet j - Equipment and Supplies Worksheet k - Press Release: What is so Bad About Buckthorn? Organizing a Private Property Buckthorn Bust...... 4 l - Press Release: Busting Buckthorn in Your Neighborhood 3 m- Buckthorn Inventory Homeowners' Map n - Doorhanger Sample o - Property Owner Sign-up Sheet Organizing a Public Property Buckthorn Bust ...... 7 4 p - Press Release: Learn to Remove Backyard Buckthorn q - Neighborhood/Block Buckthorn Bust Worksheet r - Public Property Buckthorn Bust Worksheet s - Buckthorn Bust Equipment Checklist Removal Strategies ...... 9 5 t - Volunteer Buckthorn Buster u - Buckthorn Bust Team Leader v - Suggested Buckthorn Removal Timeline w - Volunteer Liability Release Form Buckthorn Disposal ...... 11 6 x - After Buckthorn Bust Worksheet y - Press Release: Neighborhood Busted Buckthorn

Plant Replacement and Design...... 12 7 PUBLICATIONS How to Prune Trees Plant a Tree the Right Way More Information on Buckthorn8...... 15

i TheBuckthorn Bust Neighborhood Guide

Community forestry is people working together to enhance their community and urban forest by planting and caring for trees, shrubs, and Cother plants. YOU, as a resident of your community, play an important role in This guidebook is a resource for urban and community forestry. The communities, neighborhoods plants on your property are part of your and individuals to develop community's urban forest. There are many removal programs for invasive economic, environmental, and social advantages plants, specifically buckthorn. to a healthy urban forest. Trees create beautiful places to live and work, connect people with the YOU can help by removing buckthorn and other natural environment, reduce energy costs, provide invasive plants from your own property, and by homes for wildlife, and increase property values. getting involved with organizing or carrying out a buckthorn removal project in your community. ALL OF US are responsible for the health of our You play a major role in the health and urban forest. The types and management of vitality of your community forest. plants in the community and on your own property determine the health of the urban Join in and help improve the health of your forest. Invasive plants, such as buckthorn, are urban forest! detrimental to the health of the urban forest. They threaten the future of urban forests by reducing biodiversity, destroying wildlife habitat, How to use this Guide out-competing other important native plants, and Chapters 1, 2, and 5-7 should provide the changing the landscape. Imagine an urban forest general background and technical information that is one enormous thicket of buckthorn. There about buckthorn that is needed to start a would be no diversity of plants; no place for removal program. Chapters 3 and 4 should be songbirds to nest in the lower canopy; only one used as a tool to help communities through the type of fruit for small animals. Healthy established process of organizing and implementing a urban forests depend on the removal of successful buckthorn removal program on both invasive plants. private and public property. Throughout the guide various worksheets are referenced in parenthesis where they will be most helpful. These worksheets are all in back of the guide in the order they appear in the text. Chapter 8 gives useful resources and contacts that communities should consult for additional information and assistance.

ii The Problem1 with Buckthorn ommon Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) neighbor's backyard. Buckthorn fruits produce 2-4 C and Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) are seeds that remain viable for up to six years, which the two types of non-native, invasive adds up to a lot of buckthorn waiting to sprout! buckthorns found in Minnesota. Both were Birds eat the buckthorn fruit and then deposit the introduced to North America from Europe in the seeds everywhere on the fly. Because buckthorn 1800s. These buckthorn species have long been tolerates shade, full-sun, drought and bad soil, it used as hedgerows, ornamental shrubs and grows just about anywhere. As a result, buckthorn shelterbelts in homeowners’ yards, but also grow quickly moves from pruned, well-kept yards and into small trees. invades other areas. Buckthorn does not stay put, whether you want it to or not. So, together let's Even though buckthorn makes a nice full hedge in start removing buckthorn before it takes over and a yard, it also makes an impenetrable, messy destroys our urban forest. We need your help! thicket in parks, roadsides, forests, and your

understory of buckthorn Bad things about buckthorn: Icontributes to erosion by shading out plants on out-competes our native plants for light, the forest floor moisture and nutrients Ihosts crop pests: crown rust fungus (Puccinia Ireduces species diversity of plants and song coronata) and soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) birds in forests I I threatens the future of our forests, prairies, forms an impenetrable thicket or understory wetlands and other habitats layer (picture) Idestroys wildlife habitat For these reasons, in 2001 the Minnesota Iprovides only one type of fruit for songbirds Department of Agriculture declared both when other native foods have diminished Common and Glossy Buckthorn RESTRICTED Ihas seeds that remain viable up to 6 years NOXIOUS WEEDS. This means that sale, transportation, or movement of these I contains a laxative that causes birds to deposit plants is prohibited statewide by the undigested seeds Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Ihas messy fruits that stain cars, decks and concrete Itolerates shade, full-sun, drought and poor soils Ilacks natural controls like insects and plant diseases that attack it. As of now, there is no biological control agent for buckthorn. 1 Identifying2 Buckthorn Bad types of Buckthorn: Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn are the two invasive, non-native Buckthorn species found in Minnesota.

COMMON BUCKTHORN

SCIENTIFIC NAME Rhamnus cathartica 3-5 pair of OTHER COMMON European Buckthorn leaf veins NAME NURSERY CULTIVARS None

TYPE OF HABITAT IT Invades primarily dry areas, like wood- toothed edge INVADES lands, savannas, prairies, abandoned fields, roadsides; will grow in full sun and dense shade spine at tip SHAPE OF PLANT Height = 10-25 ft; upright, oval form

LEAVES G egg-shaped with finely toothed edges G dark green, dull to glossy G opposite at tip of stem G 3-5 pairs of curved leaf veins G leaves stay dark green and on the tree late into autumn large fruit cluster

STEMS G opposite buds G sharp thorn at tip of twig!

FLOWERS G produced in May opposite leaves G small, yellowish green color G 4 petals

FRUIT AND SEED G round berry-like fruit ~1/4” diameter spine at G arranged in large clusters tip G green to black color G each fruit contains 3-4 seeds opposite buds

2 GLOSSY BUCKTHORN 7-9 pair of SCIENTIFIC NAME Frangula alnus leaf veins

OTHER COMMON Fen Buckthorn, Alder Buckthorn NAME NURSERY CULTIVARS Columnaris (Tall Hedge Buckthorn)— narrow, columnar form. toothless edge Asplenifolia (Fernleaf Buckthorn)— narrow, fern-like leaves.

TYPE OF HABITAT IT Invades primarily wet areas, like bogs, ‘Asplenifolia’ leaf INVADES marshes, river banks, wetlands, pond Fernleaf Buckthorn edges; will also grow in dry areas; will grow in full sun and dense shade.

SHAPE OF PLANT Height = 10 -18 ft; upright, oval form

LEAVES G oval shaped with toothless edges (Frangula alnus) or narrow and fernlike (asplenifolia) G dark green and glossy, underside of leaves may be hairy G alternate on stem G 3-5 pairs of curved leaf veins G 8-9 pairs of leaf veins G leaves stay green and on the tree late into autumn

STEMS G alternate buds G NO thorn at tips of twig alternate leaves

FLOWERS G produced in late May-June G small, creamy-green color bud at G 5 petals tip

FRUIT AND SEED G round berry-like fruit ~1/4” diameter alternate buds G produces less fruit than Common Buckthorn G red-brown to black color G each fruit contains 2-3 seeds

3 Organizing a Private Property3 Buckthorn Bust hat is a Private Property Buckthorn Bust? ~Organized by a group of leaders and volunteers W ~Homeowners are directed and educated about ~Individual homeowner removal the buckthorn problem, how to remove it, and ~A neighborhood or block removal/collection day what to plant in its place.

INDIVIDUAL BUCKTHORN BUST—You can help! ICreate committees within the team like Volunteers, Education, Advertising, Buckthorn IEven if your neighborhood or community is not Inventory, etc. (d - Committee Worksheet, organizing a Buckthorn Bust, you can still help! e - Treasurer's Expense Report Form). Remove the buckthorn plants on your own IDetermine how you will fund the Buckthorn property (Chapter 5). Bust. If needed, apply for a grant through a IRemoving buckthorn plants on your own neighborhood association or other organiza- property prevents the dispersal of seeds to your tion, or charge each participating homeowner neighbor's yard as well as nearby parks, pond a fee to help with collection and disposal costs edges, roadsides, etc. (f - Fundraising Worksheet). IPass on information about buckthorn removal 2. Recruit volunteers to your neighbors and friends (Chapter 5 and IFind individuals to help with organizing and 6) or (a - Bust Your Own Buckthorn Handout). implementing the Buckthorn Bust and assign ICheck Chapters 5 & 7 to see how to remove them to a committee. (g - Volunteer Sign-up buckthorn and replace it with new plants. Sheet, h- Buckthorn Bust Participation Form) IAsk garden clubs, Rotary, Masons, Lions, Veterans, religious, school and other service NEIGHBORHOOD/BLOCK BUCKTHORN BUST groups to help on the day of the Buckthorn Bust. For example, groups could be asked to 6-8 Months Before Buckthorn Bust help individual homeowners that want to 1. Organize a buckthorn team participate in the Buckthorn Bust day, but can IEstablish a team of individuals to organize not physically remove the plants by themselves. the Buckthorn Bust. IRecruit individuals from each block or 2-4 Months Before Buckthorn Bust neighborhood to represent their area by 1. Make your action plan being a block or community coordinator. You IDetermine date and locations of can also ask local political leaders, officials, Buckthorn Bust and business leaders to be part of the team. IPlan the schedule for Buckthorn Bust ISchedule monthly/weekly team meetings to (i - Before Buckthorn Bust Worksheet, plan for the Buckthorn Bust (b - Planning j - Equipment and Supplies Worksheet). Checklist for a Buckthorn Bust, c - Suggested ISend out bids to local licensed tree services to Planning Calendar). have the buckthorn collected and disposed of from participating homes on the day of the Buckthorn Bust (Chapter 6). 4 2.Advertise your Buckthorn Bust 2. Train volunteers IPrepare a press release for a local newspaper IOrganize and schedule a hands-on workshop or newsletter (k - Sample Press Release: What for volunteers helping on Buckthorn Bust day. is So Bad About Buckthorn?) informing the Teach them about the buckthorn problem and neighborhood/block about the buckthorn the steps to removal, and also provide them problem and ways that they can help. with educational materials. Go over the details Advertise the details about your Buckthorn Bust for Buckthorn Bust (p - Sample Press Release: (l - Sample Press Release: Busting Buckthorn in Learn to Remove Backyard Buckthorn). Your Neighborhood). 3. Determine assignments for Buckthorn Bust 3. Inventory buckthorn on homeowner's property IAssign volunteers to help homeowners that ITrain individual volunteers that will be helping need assistance with removal. with inventory of the buckthorn. Find trained IAssign a group to deliver refreshments to master gardeners or tree care advisors to volunteers or participating homeowners. assist with the inventory. IDelegate a group to set up and monitor IMap/record where and how much buckthorn is a Buckthorn Station where homeowners can on each homeowner's property in the neighbor ask questions, get last minute tips about hood/blocks where the Buckthorn Bust will removal and disposal, or borrow tools take place (m - Buckthorn Inventory (q -Neighborhood /Block Buckthorn Bust Homeowner Map). Worksheet). IDeliver or leave a doorhanger to notify home IArrange for all equipment needed (s - Buck- owners that have buckthorn on their property. thorn Bust Equipment Checklist). Make sure they know who they should contact if they want to participate in the Buckthorn 2 Weeks before Buckthorn Bust Bust or have any questions (n - Doorhanger IFinalize all participants in the Buckthorn Bust Sample). Notifying homeowners may require a INotify public works or other agencies to secure second literature drop or phone call. "No Parking" signs where needed.

1-2 Months Before Buckthorn Bust 1 Week before Buckthorn Bust 1. Determine the homeowners that will IPrepare final pickup map for the hired tree participate in Buckthorn Bust Day service contractor. I Assemble a list of participants (o - Property IDeliver "No Parking" signs to each participant Owner Sign-up Sheet, h - Buckthorn Bust with instructions, so that the contractor can Participation Form). Make any necessary phone easily pick up properly stacked buckthorn. calls to find out or confirm who is participating. I Mail letters to participants with details about 1 Day Before Buckthorn Bust the Buckthorn Bust. Include date, time, removal methods (Chapter 5), disposal/collection IDrive the pickup route to determine if there are information (Chapter 6), who to call with any changes that need to be made. questions, and name of block coordinator. IMake sure all "No Parking" signs are in place; IAnswer any questions from property owners. otherwise notify property owner. ICreate a map of pickup sites for hired tree service contractor. 5 Day of Buckthorn Bust IMake sure all volunteers are in the right place. ICheck to be sure all pickups were completed. ICelebrate!

After Buckthorn Bust I(x - After Buckthorn Bust Worksheet) ISend out "I busted buckthorn for a better backyard" certificates or thank you letters to recognize all volunteers and participants IAssess the Buckthorn Bust by discussing what worked and what did not work. Note any changes you would make for future Buckthorn Busts. IPrepare a press release that details results and participation of the Buckthorn Bust (y - Press release: Neighborhood Busted Buckthorn). IYou may wish to organize a plant replace ment/design workshop for participants (Chapter 7).

6 Organizing a Public 4Property Buckthorn Bust hat is a Public Property Buckthorn Bust? community as well as the city W~ ~People work together to remove buckthorn ~A buckthorn removal day on a public property from the public site on a particular day project site, like a park or roadside ~Volunteers are directed and educated about ~Organized and implemented by both a group the buckthorn problem, how to remove it, and of leaders and volunteers from the what to plant in its place.

12-18 Months Before Buckthorn Bust you should send out bids to licensed tree services to have the buckthorn collected and 1. Determine public property site and acquire disposed of from the removal site (Chapter 6). appropriate permission for removal. 2. Organize a buckthorn team 3-6 Months Before Buckthorn Bust IEstablish a team of individuals to organize the 1. Advertise your Buckthorn Bust Buckthorn Bust. IPrepare a press release for a local newspaper IRecruit individuals from around the area of the or newsletter (k - Sample Press Release: What removal to be community coordinators. Work is So Bad About Buckthorn?) informing the with local political leaders, city officials, and community about the buckthorn problem and business leaders including the agencies ways that they can help. Advertise the details responsible for the public property. about your Buckthorn Bust. I Schedule monthly/weekly team meetings to 2.Recruit volunteers plan for the removal (b - Planning Checklist for IAsk garden clubs, Rotary, Masons, Lions, a Buckthorn Bust, c - Suggested Planning Veterans, religious, school, and service groups Calendar). as well as community members to help on I Create committees within the team like Buckthorn Bust (g - Volunteer Sign-up Sheet). Volunteers, Education, Advertising, Buckthorn IAssemble a list of volunteers. Organize volun- Inventory, etc. (d - Committee Worksheet, teers into teams and designate team leaders. e - Treasurer's Expense Report Form). IDetermine how you will fund the Buckthorn 3.Inventory Buckthorn on removal site Bust. If needed, apply for a grant or seek fund- ICoordinate with city/property owners to ing from the city (f - Fundraising Worksheet). arrange for the inventory. ITrain individual volunteers that will help with 9-12 Months before Buckthorn Bust inventory of the buckthorn. Find master 1. Make your action plan gardeners, tree care advisors or Department of IDetermine date of Buckthorn Bust Natural Resources staff to assist with training IPlan the schedule for Buckthorn Bust (i - Before and inventory. I Buckthorn Bust Worksheet, j - Equipment and Map/record where and how much buckthorn Supplies Worksheet). is on the removal site. Determine the removal ICheck with the city or public property owner to strategies you will use depending on the sizes see if they have staff or a contractor to help and amount of buckthorn in each area of with removal, collection and disposal. If not, the site. continued 7 1-2 Months Before Buckthorn Bust assignments and make any changes that need 1. Determine assignments for Buckthorn Bust to be made. IAssign groups along with their group leader to a specific task or area of the removal site 1 Day Before Buckthorn Bust IAssign some volunteers to run a refreshment IMake sure all parking and directional signs are table since removing buckthorn is hard work in place for volunteers. (r - Public Property Buckthorn Bust Worksheet). IHave portable toilets delivered if needed. IArrange for all equipment needed (s - Buck- IDouble check that you have all equipment thorn Bust Equipment Checklist). including the first aid kit.

2. Train volunteers Day of Buckthorn Bust I Mail letters to team leaders and volunteers IWelcome volunteers and start the Buckthorn with details about the Buckthorn Bust. Include Bust with a short training meeting. date, time, location, directions to the site, who IHave volunteers sign a liability release form to call with questions, name of community (w - Volunteer Liability Release Form). coordinator, team leader, and other team IMake sure all volunteers and groups are in the members (t - Volunteer Buckthorn Buster, right place. u - Buckthorn Bust Team Leader). ICheck to be sure the pickup was completed. I Organize and schedule a hands-on workshop ICelebrate! for team leaders helping on Buckthorn Bust. Teach team leaders about the buckthorn After Buckthorn Bust problem and the removal strategies I(x - After Buckthorn Bust Worksheet) they will be using. Go over details for the ISend out "I busted buckthorn" certificates or Buckthorn Bust. thank you letters to recognize all volunteers. I Answer any questions of volunteers. IAssess the Buckthorn Bust by discussing what worked and what did not work. Note any 3. Secure necessary permits for access and street changes you would make for future Buckthorn closings. Busts. ISince new buckthorn plants will continue to 2 Weeks Before Buckthorn Bust grow, discuss future control and support for IFinalize team leaders and other volunteers for long-term programs to remove invasive species. the Buckthorn Bust. IPrepare a press release that details results I Notify public works or other agencies to secure and participation in the Buckthorn Bust parking signs or barricades where needed. (y - Sample Press Release: Neighborhood I Order any other informational or directional Busted Buckthorn). banners or signs you may need. IDevelop a plant replacement plan if needed.

1 Week Before Buckthorn Bust ICoordinate with contractor or agency to double check correct location and time for removal and/or pickup of the buckthorn. IReview Buckthorn Bust schedule and volunteer

8 Removal Strategies

uckthorn removal: 5 B~is labor intensive ~combines several different strategies ~needs to be implemented over several years in order to successfully remove buckthorn and reestablish the area with native species (v - Suggested Buckthorn Removal Timeline).

MECHANICAL CONTROL larger than the cut stump. Drill nail holes around the entire can 2” below the can opening. Set the Remove buckthorn from late June up to when can over the stump and push it into the soil at cold weather and snow are here to stay. Use a least 1”. Nail through the holes into the stump. combination of pulling, digging, and cutting where Leave in place for two years. If green sprouts plants are sparse; lightly pack disturbed soil emerge, remove them as soon as they appear. resulting from pulling and digging to discourage These shoots are a sign you need a larger reinfestation by buckthorn. diameter can. Hand removal Pull out small seedlings by hand. Seedlings pull Removal out most easily when stem is less than 3/8 inch in Strategies Type of Buckthorn diameter. Removal is easier when soil is moist. HAND REMOVAL Small seedlings <3/8” diameter Digging DIGGING Larger seedlings and underground roots TM Buckthorn doesn't re-sprout from underground WEED WRENCH Stem 3/8” to1½”diameter ROOT TALONTM

roots. However, replacement plants benefit CUTTING Tree-like shrubs with trunk >1½” from digging the roots. Before you dig call your diameter state's one-call agency (Chapter 8) to locate all TIN CAN METHOD Cut stump underground utility lines. CHEMICAL Cut stump, Frill cut, or Basal Bark TREATMENT Treatment on large buckthorn plants Weed WrenchTM or Root TalonTM Use to pull up larger plants (3/8” -1½” diameter). Rent from a hardware store or order at REMOVALEMOVAL TIPSIPS www.lampedesign.com or G Make sure those removing thorny buckthorn have www.canonbal.org/weed.html up-to-date tetanus shots. G Cutting Use repellent if it is tick season. G Wear heavy weight clothes like denim. Light weight Cut woody plants larger than 1½” diameter. Then fabricfabric isis easilyeasily shreddedshredded byby commoncommon buckthorn.buckthorn. chemically treat the remaining stump to prevent G Use safety glasses and leather gloves. re-sprouting (next page) or use the tin can method. G Stronger teens or adults should move large buckthorn wood since it is very heavy. Tin can method G Remove female (fruiting) buckthorn plants first. This method can be used instead of chemical G Prioritize removals. Target quality wooded areas treatment to prevent a cut stump from only marginally infested that still have pockets of resprouting. When cutting, leave 3” stump above native plants. Or choose visible areas in parks or along trails. the soil. Use a tin can several inches in diameter 9 CHEMICAL CONTROL ADDITIONAL CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR TRAINED PROFESSIONALS ONLY Misuse of pesticides can injure applicator The following are control strategies that are only and/or damage the environment. Always suggested for larger projects sites or a Public READ THE LABEL before applying chemicals! Property Buckthorn Bust, and should not be used Know what you are doing before you start. by individual homeowners or volunteers. Contact Use proper equipment and wear proper professionals for advice, appropriate chemicals protective wear. and application.

Cut Stump Treatment Foliar Chemical Treatment Cut stumps can be chemically treated with a A chemical spray can be used to treat buckthorn paint-brush, wick applicator, or a low volume plants up to 3 feet tall. Foliar sprays are best for sprayer. It is very important that bark on the sides understory layers, where buckthorn infestation is of the stump, including all exposed roots, be high. Spraying should be applied during autumn, treated as well as the top of the stump. Apply and when spraying only use a fine spray just to chemicals immediately or within 24 hours after wet all foliage. It is not necessary to spray such a the cut to be most effective against re-sprouting. heavy amount that it is dripping off the leaves. Use Stronger Roundup, which is 25% glyphosate in areas not directly next to water. In areas next to Frill Cuts with Chemical Treatment water, call your Department of Natural Resources Wound the bark with an axe around the circum- for requirements. When removing buckthorn from ference of the buckthorn tree trunk to create a highly infested areas, it is helpful to mark the cut frill. Then apply chemical to exposed axed areas stumps with colored flags. Cut stumps are easily and adjacent bark. This is an effective method for lost under debris and other brush. large trees that can be left standing.

CHEMICAL APPLICATIONPPLICATION TIPSIPS Basal Bark Chemical Treatment Apply directly to the bark at the base of the buck- G Late summer, autumn, and winter are the best thorn plant to provide effective control. Spray the timestimes toto chemicallychemically treattreat buckthorn,buckthorn, sincesince thethe sapsap lowest 2 feet of bark around the entire circumfer- isis flowingflowing towardtoward thethe rootsroots andand thisthis allowsallows forfor ence of the tree. For buckthorn plants with less maximum herbicide absorption. than 2 inch diameter, only one side of the stem G Autumn applications are less likely to damage non- needs to be sprayed. This is a fast, effective targettarget plants,plants, sincesince buckthornbuckthorn hashas aa longerlonger method of controlling larger trees on large sites. growing season. This is also a convenient time because buckthorn leaves remain green and attached, while leaves of native plants are turning color, falling, and gone, making buckthorn easier toto identify.identify.

GWhen using a brush applicator on cut stumps, use good quality brushes. Foam brushes quickly disintegrate.

10 Buckthorn6 Disposal ow that you have removed the buckthorn Buckthorn Bust is unique and may have different Nfrom your site, how do you get rid of it? disposal requirements specific to the city or Following are suggestions about how to dispose of community. buckthorn brush. Keep in mind that each

BUCKTHORN BRUSH BUCKTHORN ROOTS Buckthorn roots should not be put through the Individual Buckthorn Bust chipper, since there are often rocks and other In many cities removed buckthorn can be included debris on the roots that can damage the chipper in yard waste that is picked up. Check with your machine and pose a danger for workers. So, check city about pick-up details, including times during if the tree service contractor will be chipping or the year when yard waste is picked-up and any just collecting the removed buckthorn on special requirements about how the brush needs Buckthorn Bust day. If it is being chipped, you to be stacked and/or bundled. Another option is should not include any roots unless they are to contact your city about drop-off locations for washed beforehand. yard waste, where you may be able to bring your removed buckthorn brush. BUCKTHORN WOOD Neighborhood/Block Buckthorn Bust If you know of woodworkers interested in this For a Neighborhood/Block Buckthorn Bust, hire wood for carving or building purposes, get them a certified, bonded and insured tree-service involved. Larger diameter log sections, at least 3 contractor to pick up or chip all removed inches in diameter, work best. buckthorn from participating homes in one trip. Once participating homeowners are confirmed, make a pick-up map for the contractor with all locations clearly marked. Notify participants BUCKTHORN PICKICK-U-UPP/COLLECTION TIPSIPS about staking and/or bundling instructions for DO: correct pick-up. G Set your piles in the front yard close to the side walk but not overhanging it. Public Property Buckthorn Bust G Pile the buckthorn so that all the cut ends of the For a Public Property Buckthorn Bust, coordinate branches are pointing towards the street. with the city or land-owning public agency to GRemove and vines that may be growing around arrange for removal, pick up and/or chipping your buckthorn. removed buckthorn from the site. Make sure to check about how the buckthorn brush, roots, and DO NOT: stumps should be stacked and/or bundled at the G Block public sidewalks or streets with buckthorn public site for easy pick-up. branches/trunks. GMake piles taller than 4 ft. GIncludeInclude anyany unwashedunwashed buckthornbuckthorn rootsroots ifif youryour brush will be chipped.

11 Plant Replacement7 and Design Once buckthorn is removed from the property, beautify the area. Before selecting replacement replacement plants need to be determined. This is plants, take time to outline your goals and ideas a great opportunity to re-design the landscape to for the new landscape. conserve energy, create wildlife habitat and

Reasons for planting flower gardens. Using a piece of tracing paper 1. Energy Conservation — Planting trees and over your map, draw a scheme for the use of shrubs provides summer shade for you and your landscape. Draw in new trees and shrubs your house. Planting on the west side of the where you want them. Focus on the plant char- house or building helps because it shades the acteristics you would like instead of specific house during the hottest time of the day. species - e.g. a 6' tall shrub that makes a good However, the east side is also effective. For screen and grows in the shade. Keep in mind larger lots, plant trees and shrubs as a wind maintenance issues like: Will I be able to get break on the north and northwest sides of the my lawn mower easily to all turf areas? Also house or building. consider plant sizes at maturity. 2. Aesthetics & Economics — Native trees and 3. Plant Selection — One of the best ways to select shrubs add color and texture to the landscape. plants is to take your plan and list of plant Plants help blend a building into the landscape, characteristics to your local nursery. They can softening edges and screening foundations. show you species to fit your requirements. Plants add value to your property. There are many different native woody plants 3. Wildlife habitat — Trees and shrubs create food used to replace buckthorn. The following tables and shelter for wildlife, especially birds. contain suggestions for Minnesota. Consult your local nursery, extension service, or other 4. Food for People — Vegetable gardens and agencies. fruit trees provide food and add variety to the landscape. Replanting For information about how to plant and care for Planning Your Site trees and shrubs, see publications, Plant a Tree 1. Site Plan — Make an accurate map of your the Right Way and How to Prune Trees. Also view lot, with house, trees and shrubs and other www.treetrust.org. elements on it. Using graph paper is helpful. Measure and sketch the house, sheds, Advantages of waiting 1-2 years before driveways, sidewalks, decks, overhead and replanting: underground utilities, septic tanks, drain fields, 1. Allows you to re-evaluate the space where the trees (including the spread of the crown) and buckthorn used to be. Maybe you like the new shrubs. Note which way is north. open space or would prefer to plant a new 2. Designing — Decide what uses you want from hedge somewhere else. your home landscape. Your list might include: 2. Provides time to explore options for the type play areas for children, screening for privacy, and design of your replacement plants. pleasing views from certain windows, fall or 3. Gives time for the old buckthorn roots to decay, spring color, shady areas, or vegetable or benefiting the soil for replanting. 12 RECOMMENDED PLANTS — for replacing buckthorn

HEDGE PLANTS Size Form Zone Fall Color Flower Light Culture/Comments

Amelanchier spp. 20-30'h columnar 4-8 yellow, white m Can form thickets. White fruit. Selected cultivars: Serviceberry 12-20'w to oval copper to red pink 'Cumulus,' 'Majestic,' 'Autumn Brilliance,' 'Robin Hill.'

Aronia melanocarpa 3-6'h rounded 3-7 red white m Tolerant of wide range of soils. Selected cultivar: Black chokeberry 2-6'w to upright to purple 'Autumn Magic.'

Buxus microphylla 2'h upright 4-9 copper ___ m Makes low formal hedge. One of the hardiest var. koreana 2-3'w spreading to bronze boxwoods. Korean littleleaf boxwood

Cornus spp. 6-20'h rounded 3-8 yellow, red white m Check specific species and cultivars for details. Dogwood 5-15'w to upright to purple yellow

Cotoneaster lucidus 8-10'h upright 2-6 red pink m Spreading branches. Hedge cotoneaster 4-5'w

Hydrangea spp. 3-10'h rounded to 3-9 ___ white, m Check species for details. Some flowers change color Hydrangea 3-15'w upright blue, pink with pH of soils.

Juniperus chinensis 12-20'h pyramidal 4-8 ______m Evergreen. Tolerant of wide range of soils and pH and Chinese juniper 15-25'w urban environment; attracts birds. Selected cultivars: 'Iowa,' 'Mountbatten,' 'Spartan.'

Juniperus osteosperma 25'h pyramidal 3-8 ______m Evergreen. P rovides good screen. Utah juniper 20'w

Philadelphus spp. 3-12'h upright 4-8 ___ white m Check specific species and cultivars for details. Mockorange 3-8'w oval

Physocarpus opulifolius 6-10'h rounded 2-7 ___ white to m Check cultivars for details. Cultivars with different color Ninebark 4-8'w upright- pink foliage. spreading

Picea glauca 4-6'h pyramidal 4-6 ______m Very slow growing. White spruce 3-4'w

Pinus mugo 15-20'h rounded to 3-7 ______m Deep moist loam. Tolerant of calcareous soils. Mugo pine 25-30'w pyramidal

Spiraea spp. 1-6'h rounded 3-8 yellow-orange, white to m Check specific species for details. Spirea 2-6'w red to purple red, pink

Syringa spp. 5-15'h rounded to 3-7 green violet, pink m Check specific species and cultivars for details. Lilacs 4-12'w upright to blue, white spreading purple

Thuja occidentalis 10-25'h pyramidal 3-7 ______m Evergreen, pH tolerant. Check specific cultivars for Arborvitae 10-25'w details.

Viburnum spp. 6-15'h rounded to 4-8 yellow, red cream m Check specific species and cultivars for details. Viburnums 6-10'w upright purple white Cranberry

13 ORNAMENTAL Size Form Zone Fall Color Flower Light Culture/Comments SHRUBS

Diervilla lonicera 3'h rounded 3-7 bronze to red yellow m Interesting foliage color. Dwarf bush 3'w spreading honeysuckle

Prunus besseyi 5-6'h upright to 3-6 ___ white m Tolerates hot, dry soils. Western sandcherry 5-6'w rounded

Rhus aromatica 5-6'h rounded to 4-9 red to orange yellow m Excellent massing ground cover. Separate male and 'Gro-Low' 5-6'w upright female plants. Fragrant sumac

Salix discolor 10-20'h upright 4-8 ___ silvery m Catkins can be used in flower arrangements. Pussy willow 10-15'w fuzzy

Symphoricarpos albus 5-6'h broad 3-7 ___ pink m White berries are interesting. Good plant for Snowberry 3-6'w rounded creating wildlife habitat.

Symphoricarpos 2-5'h spreading, 4-7 ___ yellow- m Good ground cover for steep banks. Very soil orbiculatus 4-8'w arching white adaptable. Coralberry

Check with the local extension service, Department of Natural Resources or Department of Agriculture for specific species recommendations for your area.

14 More Information8 on Buckthorn

WEBSITES MERCHANDISE Wildland Invasive Species Program — "Buckthorn Busters" T-Shirts, Buttons, Signs, Invasives on the Web Display Materials Nature Conservancy University of Minnesota Extension Service, http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/index.html Olmsted County 1421 Third Avenue SE The Truth about Exotic Species Rochester, MN 55904-7947 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Phone: 507-285-8250 www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/exotics/index.html [email protected] European (Common) Buckthorn Minnesota Department of Natural Resources AGENCIES www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/exotics/buck.html Invasive Species Program Yard and Garden Brief—Common Buckthorn Minnesota Department of Agriculture Identification 90 West Plato Boulevard University of Minnesota Extension Services Saint Paul, MN 55107-2094 www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/ Phone: 651-296-8448, 651-296-0592 h402buckthorn-common.html www.mda.state.mn.us/invasives/default.htm Plant DataBase Harmful Exotic Species Program USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service Minnesota Department of Natural Resources http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi 500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25 Saint Paul, MN 55155-4025 Buckthorn Information Page Phone: 651-297-1464 Eagan Forestry Division www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/exotics/index.html www.cityofeagan.com/Forestry/buckthorn.htm City of Saint Paul, Division of Parks and Recreation The Buckthorn Problem - by Elizabeth Ahrens 300 City Hall Annex Research supported by Neighborhood Planning for Community 25 W. Fourth Street Revitalization, Minneapolis Saint Paul, MN 55102 www.npcr.org/reports/npcr1136/npcr1136.html 651-266-6400 The Trouble with Backyard Buckthorn - by John Moriarty TTY: 651-266-6378 In the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, published by www.ci.saint-paul.mn.us/depts/parks Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board www.dnr.state.mn.us/information_and_education/ Environmental Operations publications/volunteer/articles/buckthorn.html 3800 Bryant Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55409-1029 PRINTED MATERIALS Phone: 612-370-4900 Northern Gardener: Creating and Caring for Your www.minneapolisparks.org Environment, April 2002 (available in bulk only) Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association and Ramsey County PO BOX 130307 1621 Beechwood Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55113 Saint Paul, MN 55116 Phone: 651-633-4987 Phone: 651-698-4543 Fax: 651-698-8761 Wisconsin Manual of Control Recommendations for Ecologically Invasive Plants Call before you dig! - GOPHER STATE ONE CALL Bureau of Endangered Resources, Wisconsin DNR Metro Area Phone: 651-454-0002 PO BOX 7921 MN Toll Free Phone: 1-800-252-1166 Madison, WI 53707-7921 Phone: 608-267-5066 15 OTHER SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

Down to Earth Graphics.. Mark Mueller 3911 Greencastle Ave. Oxford, Iowa 52322

Friends of the St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks and Trails Great River Greening Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Minnesota Society of Arboriculture People for Parks Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Saint Paul and Minneapolis Neighborhood Associations Saint Paul City Council

University of Minnesota Extension Service, Hennepin County Master Gardeners Horticultural Science Department Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources