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Page 5 of 8 <br /> 1. Cut down all buckthorn trees greater than 3 inches in diameter. Buckthorns of this size <br /> produce berries. A handsaw works well, but a chain saw is more efficient if you have many <br /> trees to remove. <br /> When cutting trees, remember to keep track of the stumps. If stumps are not treated or <br /> removed, they will resprout vigorously. Within four years a stump sprout will grow big <br /> enough to flower and produce fruits. <br /> 2. Dig out the stumps or treat them with an herbicide. Of the several chemicals that work <br /> well, the two most common ones are glyphosate (Roundup) and triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon). <br /> Be sure to use chemicals properly, following all label instructions. If possible, look for an <br /> appropriate chemical product that comes with a spray nozzle. Wear protective clothing, <br /> such as rubber gloves and rubber boots. <br /> If you don't want to use chemicals, you can dig the stumps out with a shovel or grub ax. I <br /> had to remove about two dozen trees to clear our garden. This can lead to some really <br /> tough calluses and is much more aerobic than spraying. <br /> You can quickly dig out stumps of medium-sized trees (1 to 3 inches in diameter), but you <br /> can easily miss this size tree when cleaning out a large infested area. At home I wander <br /> around with my loppers and spray bottle a couple of times a year to catch any I have <br /> missed. <br /> 3. Pull up small trees (less than 1 inch) by hand. They do not have strong roots. Because <br /> small trees are also easily overlooked, they are a recurring problem, but one you can <br /> control with a little effort. <br /> 4. Remove seedlings with a hoe. By cutting down the seed-producing trees, you will <br /> eventually eliminate this problem. <br /> 5. Tell your neighbors about buckthorn. One of the best control methods is education. <br /> Remember, your neighbors' buckthorns will add seed to your side of the fence. Encourage <br /> your neighbors to remove their buckthorn, maybe offer to help, and share this Volunteer <br /> article; but do not remove anything without permission. <br /> 6. Decide what to do with buckthorn debris after removal. A 6-inch diameter buckthorn can <br /> be more than 20 feet tall. After removing trees, you could end up with a large pile of brush. <br /> If you have the space, you might want to make brush piles to attract a number of wildlife <br /> species. Another option is chipping the trees. I have used several large chip piles for my <br /> garden and trails. Many communities have brush pickup days: Contact your city to get more <br /> information. <br /> 7. Replace buckthorn with native species (see "Landscaping Without...Buckthorn"). With <br /> buckthorns cut down, the character of the landscape will be changed. The understory will <br /> be much more open. Privacy hedges will have gaps. <br /> • Effective buckthorn control takes a lot of effort. But if many of us work on small areas, we <br /> can help keep the problem from spreading. <br /> 3/14/2005 <br />