How To Remove Buckthorn

Plants and trees are a blessing on our environment, for our atmosphere, for the small animals and birds, for humans and also provide soothing aesthetics. But there are some plants which are dangerous and harmful. The buckthorn is one such harmful plant which should be removed by using tree services.

What Actually Is Buckthorn?

Buckthorn is a tall shrub which was brought to Europe in the 1800s. It was planted mainly as a shrub, but due to its invasive nature, it quickly invaded forests and plantations. It can thrive in almost all kinds of weather conditions and a variety of soil and it grows very fast. Its growth season starts in early spring and stays till late fall where many native plants remain dormant, it continues to grow at a fast speed. Another property is that it has very few predators so it is saved as well with a lot of seed production so that is the reason it grows, multiplies and invades many natural areas and habitats.

You might see buckthorn as a green, lush bush full of leaves but for small birds and animals it is very harmful. The berries in the Buckthorn plant are eaten by many small animals and birds which are low in protein, high in carbohydrates and produce a purgative effect or cause diarrhea which can even result in death in small birds and animals. Cherry on top the excreting birds may distribute seeds of buckthorn in different areas.

The leaves of a buckthorn are high in calcium and nitrogen and when they fall to the ground they can also alter the conditions of the soil. The soil under the buckthorn plant is already high in nitrogen and can cause the growth of many disturbing weeds.

The work of native plants is to stabilize the soil and absorb rainwater and retain the nutrients in the soil. While if the buckthorn is planted with native plants it invades the area and makes the soil bare causing the rainwater to wash over and spill into nearby water bodies. The rainwater picks up soil, fertilizers, oil and other harmful things and spills into nearby streams and rivers causing bad water quality.

Removing Buckthorn

After reading the harmful effects it is necessary to remove buckthorns. There are many ways of removing Buckthorn plants.

Chemical Treatment

One way of removing or killing buckthorn is through chemical treatment by applying herbicides. You can cut the whole buckthorn through a saw or axe and just leave the stump. Apply a big layer of herbicides all over the stump to prevent regrowth or sprouting of the buckthorn again. You can do this with an herbicide brush or other applicators. Chemical treatment should be done in the late summer months and the whole of the fall season.

Another way to apply the herbicide is by cutting the trunk at least 5 to 6 inches wide and 2 inches deep around the whole circumference with the bark remaining intact with the plant and applying the herbicide on the bark. This will kill the bark and stop the nutrients from going to the whole plant. If the soil nearby and the whole natural area is invaded then you should also spray the herbicide in the soil to kill the roots of the buckthorn plant.

Buckthorn Baggie

This is another way of removing and killing the buckthorn plant. First you need to cut the buckthorn plant and leave just 5 to 6 inches of stump. Cover the stump completely with the buckthorn baggie making sure it is covering the nearby land as well to stunt new sprouting. Zip tie it from the middle tightly and leave it as it is for a year. After a year cut any new growths of sprouts if any. The bag can be used for a new freshly cut buckthorn stump.

Small Sprouts

The small sprouts can be removed easily by hand and if this is hard work you can spray the herbicide to the small sprouting which will effectively kill the buckthorn plant.

The buckthorn is a very competitive and invading plant and it is better if it is removed urgently with the help of tree removal services Bethesda or it can harm your nearby land and habitat.