Minnesota has a long history of dealing with different types of invasive species. Thanks to its prolific growing abilities, common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is no exception. In fact, buckthorn has been inhabiting Minnesota yards and lands since the 1800's, and it hasn't shown signs of stopping. Any Winona, MN, landowner familiar with the plant knows why it's bad news, but for many new to yard care, it's hard to get too excited about an overzealous weed. However, the experts at Maier Tree and Lawn know that buckthorn isn't just highly invasive and inconvenient; it's also detrimental to your yard and the ecosystem as a whole.
Though technically classified as a “weed” by the DNR, buckthorn has the appearance of a small tree or shrub. Usually, if dealt with efficiently, these plants can be removed from your property without too much trouble. Buckthorn removal becomes more difficult if the plant is fully grown and integrated into your yard. Buckthorn removal is also made more difficult because it produces berries that can be easily spread around, thanks to the help of birds. This means that removing buckthorn once won't necessarily curb its growth. These factors make buckthorn a problem to the other plants around it.
Buckthorn is sturdy, grows quickly, and lacks natural predators. It essentially outgrows other plants around it and prevents them from getting the nutrients they need to survive. Buckthorn removal is important because it allows other native plants to thrive without restriction. Without intervention, buckthorn can cause irreparable damage to Minnesota landscapes and habitats.
Luckily, public education and awareness are helping to identify and reduce infestations of buckthorn all across the state. If you have any questions about buckthorn removal in your Winona, MN, yard, contact the experts at Maier Tree and Lawn. We can be reached by phone at (507) 454-7000, or by visiting our website here for more information.
