DIY Buckthorn Removal Tips from the WLC Experts

Buckthorn is one of the most invasive and aggressive species threatening Minnesota’s natural landscapes. It chokes out native plants, disrupts ecosystems, and spreads fast if left unchecked. Whether you’re managing a private woodland, restoring prairie, or just want to protect your backyard, buckthorn removal should be a top priority.

At Wilderness Land Clearing, we offer professional buckthorn removal services across Minnesota, but we also understand that many landowners want to tackle it themselves. If you’re up for the challenge, here are some DIY tips to help you get started.

For immediate assistance, contact Wilderness Land Clearing today. We offer 24-hour emergency service for jobs that cannot wait.

A skid-steer from Wilderness Land Clearing removing brush to clear some land in northern Minnesota.

Wilderness Land Clearing & Mulching

1. Learn to Identify Buckthorn

There are two types of buckthorn common to Minnesota:

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)

Look for:

Glossy green leaves that stay green well into fall
Small black berries (toxic to humans, but spread by birds)
Thorn-tipped twigs
Dense thickets with little growing underneath

Identifying buckthorn correctly is the first step to effective removal.

2. Remove Buckthorn at the Right Time

Late fall and early spring are ideal for buckthorn removal. The ground is soft, and buckthorn is easier to spot when other plants have dropped their leaves. Removing it in winter can also prevent the spread of berries.

3. Start Small & Stay Consistent

Don’t try to clear your entire property in one weekend. Focus on a small area and work outwards. Removing mature buckthorn can expose soil and invite new growth, so regular follow-up is key.

4. Use the Right Tools

Buckthorn removal can be challenging without the right equipment. Pull smaller buckthorn plants out by the roots using tools like a weed wrench or root extractor. For larger trunks:

Cut close to the ground
Immediately treat the stump with an herbicide like glyphosate or triclopyr (following safety guidelines and local regulations)

Skipping chemical treatment usually leads to regrowth.

5. Dispose of Buckthorn Responsibly

Never leave piles of berries or branches on your land. Seeds can continue to spread and create more work for you. Instead:

Burn debris (where permitted)
Bag and trash berry-laden branches
Chip and compost non-fruiting brush

6. Restore with Native Plants

Once buckthorn is removed, bare soil invites erosion and weeds. Replant with native grasses, shrubs, and trees to help stabilize the area and discourage buckthorn from returning.

Looking for Expert Help?

DIY removal can work for small infestations, but larger areas often require professional help. At Wilderness Land Improvement, we offer:

Full-property buckthorn assessments
Mechanical and chemical removal options
Long-term restoration planning
Native replanting services

We use equipment and techniques that make the process faster, safer, and more effective, especially on rugged terrain. We understand the local forests and the species that thrive here. Contact us today for buckthorn removal or one of our other services, and let our experts handle your land clearing job.

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