HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-2001 Agenda Packet AGENDA
PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2001
** 7:00 P.M. **
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
4364 WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD
1. Call to Order and Roll Call.
2. Approve May 22, 2001 Minutes.
3. Welcome New Members.
4. Parks and Recreation Updates.
5. Review of 50"'Anniversary Celebration.
6. Buck Thorn Removal Program—Phil Fabel.
7. Park Comp. Plan Update.
a. Neighborhood Meeting Schedules/Committee Participation.
8. Trail Teams.
9. Council Update.
10. Next Meeting Agenda.
11. Other items for Discussion.
12. Adjourn.
*** Please Call Tom: 651/634-5133 or Jim: 651/628-9406 if you are unable to
attend this meeting***
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MINUTES
PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2001, 7:00 P.M.
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
4634 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Johnson called the May 22, 2001 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation
Committee to order at 7:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Members present were Jim Johnson, Don Tix (7:08 p.m.), Jim Crassweller, Rich
Straumann, Don Messerly, Steve Zilmer, Patrick Krenn, Tom Moore, Council Liaison
Gregg Larson, and Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Secretary.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Members absent were Louis Speggen.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Agenda was approved by consensus.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Committee Member Messerly moved and Committee Member
Crassweller seconded the motion to approve the April 24, 2001 minutes as
presented. The motion carved unanimously.
PARK AND RECREATION UPDATE
Mr. Moore reported that the play structures were up at Floral and Sampson Parks and
noted the final grading needed to be completed with sod and seed as soon as the part time
summer help starts. He also reported that the vegetable gardens are up and running and
that Staff has put weed and feed on all the parks. He further reported that the bridge was
out at Crepeau Park and had to be repaired.
Mr. Moore reported that, in conjunction with friends of the park, Council Member Larson
had donated crabapple trees that were planted on both sides of the trail in Floral Park
from the picnic structure to the play structure. He also reported that there was a
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 2
ceremony and tree planting above the baseball field by the Gabiou family in memory of
Mrs. Gabiou's father.
Mr. Moore reported that Staff is mowing the parks but has not done any trim work with
the trimmers as they do not have the manpower to do it. He then noted that as soon as the
part time summer help starts they will begin doing trim work.
Mr. Moore reported that Staff will be taking down the backstops at Lindey's triangle and
at Arden Oaks as they are unused and becoming an eyesore. He then noted that Staff will
scrape up as much of the lime as possible to reuse in other areas.
Mr. Moore reported that there is a new Ramsey County Sheriff assigned to the parks.
Mr. Moore reported the new Toro Lawnmaster and groomer has been received.
Mr. Moore reported that baseball, softball and T-ball start in June. He then noted that
there would be a Bethel intern who will work through the end of July.
Mr. Moore reported that Staff is working on the Fall Recreation Guide and noted that a
picture of an osprey nest will be blown up and used on the cover.
Mr. Moore reported that the City is completely staffed for playgrounds and noted he was
looking for evening sport instructors and for softball umpires.
Chairperson Johnson asked how the parks survived the heavy rain and spring runoff.
Mr. Moore reported that Valentine Park is really wet and has only been mowed once.
Mr. Moore reminded the Committee that this is the time of year that kids vandalize the
parks and noted he would ask the Sheriff to watch the parks carefully.
Mr. Moore reported he had received five calls yesterday and a total of seven calls over
the course of the last week concerning poison ivy along the trails in the Chatham
neighborhood. He then asked the Committee for guidance on how to respond to the
complaint. He also noted he had determined that poison ivy is considered a noxious
weed and can be treated as such. He further explained that residents expressed a big
concern for their dogs picking up poison ivy and then transmitting it to them when they
pet the dog.
Mr. Moore reported that Staff has been mowing and treating the poison ivy near the
daycare center to maintain a seven or eight foot barrier around the fencing to keep toys
from getting infected with poison ivy.
Chairperson Johnson asked if the poison ivy was a significant enough issue to warrant
temporary signage to warn of poison ivy.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 3
Committee Member Messerly suggested spraying the poison ivy with a broadleaf weed
killer five feet back from the trail.
Mr. Moore reported that the new Toro groomer could be used to spray the poison ivy.
Chairperson Johnson asked how far the groomer would spray.
Mr. Moore reported that the groomer would spray two to three feet out.
Council Liaison Larson expressed concern that spraying a broadleaf weed killer would
kill a lot of other plants along the trail.
Mr. Moore noted he could call the DNR to see if there is a specific chemical for treating
poison ivy but stated he did not believe there was. He then noted that to treat the poison
ivy with Round Up would be labor intensive as each plant would need to be sprayed.
Committee Member Tix suggested spraying in only the areas where the poison ivy is
located rather than along the whole trail.
Committee Member Crassweller noted that the trail needed to be mowed and then the
areas where there is poison ivy should be sprayed.
It was the consent of the Committee to direct Staff to mow the trails wide, spray in the
areas where the poison ivy is located, and to post temporary signs to notify that the area
has been sprayed with weed killer in an attempt to eliminate the poison ivy.
Council Member Larson noted he felt that the City should be concerned for people on the
trails and kids not dogs especially if those dogs are running loose through the weeds. He
then noted that the temporary sign could be used as an opportunity to warn people that
the poison ivy is out there.
BUCK THORN REMOVAL PROGRAM
Mr. Moore reported Phil Fable was not able to attend this meeting but would be at the
next meeting to discuss buck thorn removal.
50TH DAY IN THE PARK UPDATE
Mr. Moore provided handouts to the Committee with information on the 50th Day in the
Park celebration. He then asked if the Committee wished to participate in the parade,
either by walking together or riding together.
It was the consent of the Committee not to participate in the parade.
Mr. Moore passed around a sign up sheet to staff the booth as well as to volunteer to help
with the other activities scheduled for the day.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 4
Ms. Olson noted she had looked into purchasing magnets and other types of giveaways to
have at the booth. She then passed around two catalogs with various giveaway prizes and
asked Committee Members to review them and let her know later in the meeting what
items she should order. She noted she felt that the neck tote for carrying keys and money
while running or walking seemed like a good idea.
Committee Member Tix asked how much money could be spent on the giveaways.
Mr. Moore noted the City Events Task Force would be picking up the cost of the
giveaways.
Ms. Olson noted that any extra prizes would be given away at job fairs or other City
events.
Chairperson Johnson asked if the park will be done and ready to go in time for the 50th
Day in the Park celebration.
Mr. Moore noted the park would be ready to go.
ADOPT A FLOWER GARDEN—FOLLOW UP
Mr. Moore reported that there were thirty-two people at the second breakfast and the first
breakfast had fourteen people. He noted the numbers were down a little bit as the event
was held on the same weekend as the bike-a-thon. He then noted that the Committee
may wish to consider moving the flower garden event back one week to accommodate
the bike-a-thon.
PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Mr. Moore distributed a fax with dates for the neighborhood meetings. He then noted
that he has turned over more of the responsibility on the park comprehensive plan to
Ingram and Associates as he is very busy with his position and filling in as interim public
works director. He also noted that the meetings were scheduled based on precincts as
people are familiar with that.
Chairperson Johnson asked if the precincts would be specified in the mailing.
Mr. Moore indicated that the precincts would be specified in the mailing and indicated
that the comprehensive plan is slightly behind schedule as he has had to set priorities and
the 50th Day in the Park comes ahead of the comprehensive plan.
Council Liaison Larson asked how the meetings would be publicized.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 5
Mr. Moore indicated that there would be individual mailings to residents in that area as
defined in relationship to the park survey that divided the City into four different
sections.
Council Liaison Larson suggested doing one mailing instead of four and specify each
quadrant and the meeting dates.
Council Liaison Larson indicated it would be nice to treat the mailing as an invitation
from the Committee to attend the meeting and indicated he felt all Committee Members
should sign the mailing.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Council Liaison Larson reported that the City had thought that the TCAAP process would
proceed more quickly than it has. He then noted a meeting has been set up to talk about
legislation in Congress to do something similar to what was done for the City Hall
property to speed up the process of getting the Army to turn over the land to the City.
Council Liaison Larson reported that Council went out to the new Maple Grove City Hall
and noted that the design was unique as it has been designed with a main street type of
feel with parking in the back.
Council Liaison Larson reported that Council heard from a developer interested in putting
in a regional high-end outlet mall with restaurants and a theatre. He then noted the City
needed to determine if it wanted a regional shopping center or something more local.
Council Liaison Larson noted the north water tower will be painted and the new logo
placed on it.
Council Liaison Larson noted the City would be seal coating in the northwest quadrant of
the City this summer.
Council Liaison Larson indicated that Council has decided on no more than a three
percent (3%) increase for budget year 2002. He then noted that a zero percent (0%)
increase budget has been drafted but Council is discussing setting aside money for
construction of the new public works facility.
Council Liaison Larson indicated that Council saw maps for the proposed changes to the
I-35W corridor and expressed concern that Highway 10 be eliminated as a shortcut to get
onto I-35. He then noted, that in reviewing the congested hours for the roadways after
the improvements, the numbers are worse in 2025 than they are now.
Council Liaison Larson noted the City had received the resignation of the City Planner as
she has accepted a position with the State Highway Department.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 6
Council Liaison Larson noted the City is proceeding with a storm water management and
a sedimentation and soil erosion control plan as required by the Metropolitan Council.
Council Liaison Larson indicated that Council had agreed that no meetings of Council or
Committees would continue past 10:00 p.m. without a motion and majority vote. He then
noted that there have been some very long Council meetings and Council does not feel
that many good decisions are made past 10:00 p.m.
DATE/TIME OF NEXT MEETING
By consensus, the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at
City Hall.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Buck Thorn Removal Program
Comprehensive Park Plan Neighborhood Meetings
Trail Review/Set up Teams
Day in the Park
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
. Mr. Moore noted the Committee has reviewed all of the parks but has not looked at trails.
He then asked if the Committee wanted to look at certain trail sections.
Committee Member Zilmer asked if the Committee could rely on Staff to supply
information on the trails.
Committee Member Crassweller indicated he would like to discuss the unofficial trails
and connections to determine whether they can or should be incorporated into the City's
trail system. He then suggested that Committee Members pair up and go look at some of
the unofficial trails.
Mr. Moore noted that it is helpful when going to Council for funding that the Committee
is able to say it looked at each and every park and each and every trail.
Chairperson Johnson asked Committee Members for suggestions for the giveaways.
It was the consent of the Committee to direct Staff to purchase plastic bags for carrying
giveaways and information, mini Frisbees, the neck totes, and the water bottles for
giveaways.
The Committee also determined by consensus that it wished to have a basketball hoop
near its booth for a contest.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 7
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved and Committee Member
Johnson seconded the motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. The motion carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Lenzmeier
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
PARK COMP. PLAN
COMMUNITY MEETING SCHEDULE
Date Time Location
Monday, July 9 7:00—9:00 p.m. Presbyterian Church of the Way
3382 North Lexington Avenue
Tuesday, July 10 7:00— 9:00 p.m. Arden Hills city Hall
4364 West Round Lake Road
Wednesday, July 11 7:00—9:00 p.m. Presbyterian Homes
3220 Lake Johanna Blvd.
Thursday, July 12 7:00—9:00 p.m. Arden Hills City Hall
4364 West Round Lake Road
To: Neighborhoods and Individuals who requested buckthorn information
From: Mary Maguire Lerman, St. Anthony Park Buckthorn Roundup Organizer
2-12-2001
I'm sorry this information is late. I had promised in the November newspaper article that this packet would
be mailed in January, but I wanted to make sure that information was included about an interesting
development. The DNR's Invasive Species Coordinator is seeking donations to supplement the$20,000.00
that the DNR has committed to biocontrol research for an effective control of buckthorn. The estimate for
the total research package is near$120,000.00 but the DNR wanted to get the first phase of the research
(January 1-June 30, 2001) started with the initial $20,0000. They are looking to organizations, communities
and individuals for support to help raise the remainder so that the full research can be continued.
What is a biocontrol agent? It is a naturally occurring disease, insect or other biological predator that exists
in the invasive plant's native community. The research will be done by the International Institute of
Biological Control (known as CABI) in Europe as Eurasia is where buckthorn is a native plant. They plan to
investigate areas in Europe, China and Russ'l4.
That is why buckthorn has become such a pest- it has no natural predators in North America. Does
biocontrol research work?Yes, but it takes time and that is why the cost is high. Similar research a few
years ago provided us with the beetles that have been released statewide that are effectively reducing the
Purple Loosestrr a population. I want to encourage all communities, businesses and individuals to make a
donation to this research project. The DNR staff has indicated that all donations are fully tax deductible. So
please give it your consideration and encourage your community to donate to this research.
This is how to donate to the Buckthorn Biocontrol Research Project:
Make checks payable to: DNR Buckthorn Research
Mail to: DNR Exotic Species Program
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-4025
ORGANIZING & IMPLEMENTING A BUCKTHORN* ROUNDUP
Consider including other woody invasives besides buckthorn in your"roundup" . In the 1111 fall Roundup in St.
Anthony Park we will be including Tartarian honeysuckle and mulberry in our pickups. Once you work through an
infested area,you might as well remove all of the problem invasive plants, even those that are not as severe a pest as
buckthorn.
To organize and implement a buckthorn roundup, there are many components. Most important is:
PUBLIC EDUCATION and AWARENESS
Media
First, it is important to make citizens aware of the hazards of this plant in advance of any roundup. In my
neighborhood- Saint Anthony Park (SAP) in St. Paul, I began by writing an article for our neighborhood
paper that was printed one year before our actual roundup. It is enclosed in this packet-entitled Alien
Allelopath. I am giving permission to any community or individual that wishes to use it in their efforts to
control buckthorn. Simply change the information underlined as it relates to your community. The article
details the problem with buckthorn destroying native woodlands and the public safety issues associated
with buckthorn (Le. lack of visibility, "nesting").
Also enclosed is a research report documenting the connection between songbird predation and population
reduction due to invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle. The enclosed MDA report that was released in
August 2000 provides information about the Soybean Aphid's arrival in Rochester. This pest overwinters on
buckthorn buds and has already overwinte,ed in nearby Wisconsin and Illinois. In the area near Rochester
where the soybean aphid was found in the summer of 2000, it caused a yield reduction of 8 bushels per
acre. Not only is buckthorn destroying Minnesota woodlands, it is also threatening a major farm crop since
it is the cohost for the soybean aphid.
You need to focus on the many negative issues associated with buckthorn to give people a number of
reasons to realize why buckthorn should be removed from public and private property. Then continue to
saturate them with information.
a- In September or May insert a photo article in the paper that shows the greenish/black stains on
sidewalks, patios. cars. Notation: Buckthorn berries gives birds diarrhea and they leave a mess in
your yard and on your car.
:In October write an article on fall landscape cleanup. Include buckthorn removal on the list that
includes cleaning gutters, covering roses and raking. Since buckthorn is most visible in the fall as
other trees and shrubs drop their leaves, it is easier for homeowners to spot and remove.
srWhen the opportunity arises, use the media. If you schedule a large meeting or event on
buckthorn, notify them.
mrAssemble a list of your local daily, monthly, bi-weekly and neighborhood papers; radio stations
and tv stations. Get their mailing and e-mail address, phone and fax. The list will then be ready for
you on short notice for quick contact.
VOLUNTEERS (continued)
When soliciting volunteers, keep these items in mind:
a- Make sure all volunteers that are working closely with buckthorn are up to date with their tetanus shots.
The thorns on Common Buckthorn are sharp!!!
a-Required attire for volunteers on the actual day of the buckthorn roundup: jeans, long sleeve shirt- heavy
weight(chamois) best in cold weather, glasses or safety glasses, leather gloves. Clothing should be old as
you may end up cutting jackets/shirts with thorns. Recommend to participants that they not wear nylon style
jackets- these are easily shredded by the thorns.
.-Assignments: Volunteers that"schlepp"the buckthorn must be up to the task. This is not for children. It
would be a suitable project for older scout groups, teens, etc.
w-Buckthorn removal is an exhausting process as the wood is very heavy. Be sure to have plenty of water
and other refreshments on site.
FUNDING
Voluntary Private Property Roundup:
Many homeowners are aware of the problem with buckthorn, but can't afford to have it cut and removed by
a tree service. Other residents just don't have the energy (elderly, physically impaired) to do this. In our
yard, my husband and I removed buckthorn over a 3 year period taking it to neighborhood cleanups where
brush was accepted. However, we had a truck- not everyone has a truck. Plus we had to pay a fee to take
the buckthorn brush to the cleanup. So, I began thinking about funding a neighborhood cleanup to make it
easier for homeowners to remove their buckthorn.
For my neighborhood's (SAP)first private property cleanup, a respected tree service was contacted and we
requested a quote for what they would charge for 8 hours of chipping in our neighborhood. We recommend
that you contact three tree services for estimates. Make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured and
then you can select the best bid.
The tree service would provide two of their staff to handle the chipping along with a chipper and truck. It
was understood that the tree service would not be involved in cutting down any materials- only the
chipping. Homeowners had to follow specific directions as to how to stack and where to place the
buckthorn for pickup. Be sure to read the enclosed handout"H"that details specific directions for
homeowners to follow (i.e. no vines allowed on buckthorn!!)
Knowing the cost of the tree service, we applied for a grant through our neighborhood association. Half of
the needed amount was awarded. We then approached our neighborhood garden club to match the first
grant. They agreed and the project was on its way.
I wrote a Buckthorn Rounduparticle for the September issue of our neighborhood paper- see enclosed
P 9 PP
(this was the only way this project was advertised). Our garden club purchased ad space in the paper for a
buckthorn roundup participation sign up form to be printed on the same page as the article. The
y We may schedule a two day pickup event. limiting the pickup to 40-50 properties each day. That way we
will have a reasonable work day and won't exhaust the tree service crew and the volunteers.
>We will schedule two volunteers for each hour of chipping. These volunteers assist the hired tree service
crew by hauling the buckthorn from the private property to the street edge. This considerably speeds up the
pickup/chipping process.
;—We will schedule the buckthorn roundup between late September and late October, but before
Halloween.
One neighbor has suggested we sponsor a"Buckthorn Ball"at the local trade union hall. This would be
scheduled to thank all the volunteers and participants and to help raise funds for future roundups.
OTHER LOGISTICS OF A ROUNDUP
Parking/Traffic Issues: Private Property cleanup:
In order that the operation moved smoothly, it was essential that the street in front of each participating
property was clear of vehicles the day of the roundup. I contacted our community council to find out the
procedures for obtaining no parking sites for each home. The council informed me that the cost would be
25 cents each for"fill in the blank signs' and 50 cents for pre-printed signs from our public works street
department. A list of all the address sites had to be prepared for public works in order to purchase the
signs. We opted for the 25 cent signs and brought in a group of prolific writers who spent 1 hour
volunteering to fill in the blanks on 130 signs. We provide two No parking signs to designate the entire
boulevard in front of each home as"No Parking"for the chipping day. No Parkings signs must be
Installed at 48 hours prior to the event so drivers have adequate notification time.
Recycling Some Buckthorn Wood
If you know of woodworkers interested in this wood for carving purposes, get them involved.We did.
Numerous homeowners in our neighborhood who were removing buckthorn, contacted our local
woodcarver. She then made arrangements to come and pickup the larger diameter log sections for use by
her woodcarving group. Generally, the single trunks must be 3" in diameter or larger for most woodworkers
to use.
*Committees:
Organize your volunteers into committees that can help with the various aspects. To save money on this
initial project and because of a short time frame, the information to signed-up participants was hand-
delivered to their homes. That is why you do not see any mailing costs on the ledger. You should plan for
that in your budget. From this first roundup experience, I would anticipate the following committees:
D. Signs- prepare and deliver
E. Information Distribution
F. Scheduling of Chipping/Pickup
G. "Schlepping"Volunteers- Day of pickup
® H. Refreshments-day of event and Celebration Potluck or Buckthorn Ball
Public Property Invasive Species Roundup:
Public awareness/education is a very important component of a public property roundup. Many government
agencies are simply not funded to handle this. Start b urging our city council or county board to fund a full
9 P Y Y 9 9 Y tY
time invasive species removal and pest control crew. A figure close to $380,000 per year will fund a full
time crew with equipment and the necessary supplies and vehicles. It is important that this crew include a
full time project manager that deals with this project. Problems develop when there is no follow up and
different individuals have different training backgrounds. So be sure to have one person in charge.
Write your legislator and the governor requesting immediate funding for invasive species control directing
funds through counties and cities. A matching grant program would be great! We've got a big surplus again,
lets use some of it where it is needed instead of giving it all back. You need to convince your legislators of
this.
Check out all opportunities whether it be corporate sponsored, grants, donations or otherwise. Be sure to
look into the Minnesota DNR's Conservation Partner Grant opportunities. This year's deadline for
application is March 31s'. If you live in the Metro Area, call the Metro DNR office on Warner Road in St. Paul
to get information mailed to you. The DNR is more likely to consider a grant application for buckthorn
roundup on public land if it includes a component of buckthorn cleanup from adjacent private lands.
A roundup of mature buckthorn or woody invasives does not solve the problem. There is necessary follow
up in public lands, this is why I stress the need for full-time crews for public agencies. The year following a
removal of mature buckthorn, check for stump resprouting and treat as needed. Pulling or spraying of
buckthorn seedlings for the first two years following mature plant removal is usually required.
Replanting of the property may be required, but first wait one season to see what returns on its own in the
year following removal. In many sites I have seen native plants return in abundance within the first year
following mature buckthorn removal. In early and late summer of the year following the removal, schedule a
walk through and inventory the site to determine what plants are present and which are needed (if any)for
replanting. It always amazes me the amount of regrowth of native plants once buckthorn is removed. It is
as if the buckthorn had held their root systems in "suspended animation."
VOLUNTEERS
Many corporations are now regularly scheduling a mandatory company volunteer day. If you have large
businesses (often the national businesses are most apt to schedule a volunteer day), let them know of your
needs. These companies want a project that shows a definite before and after effect. Have photographs
showing sites before and after buckthorn clearing to give them an idea of what their company effort will
accomplish. On one site this year, a company put out a large banner along the parkway the day they were
working. Often the larger companies will purchase the necessary safety equipment, refreshments, etc. for
the project. They may also make a donation to your project.
Check out your County Correction Services for the availability of Sentence to Serve crews to assist with
large buckthorn removal operations. STS crews can be called upon to handle the "schlepping"-the hauling
of the buckthorn from the cutting area out to the chippers. In many project areas, neighborhood volunteers
become the schleppers if STS crews are not available. If you do not have volunteers to schlepp the cut
buckthorn, your project will proceed very slowly. Volunteers really free your cutting crews to focus just on
the cutting. Just tell the STS supervisors how the crews are to dress and ask STS to supply them with
leather gloves.
ENCLOSURES:
A. "Reflections on removing buckthorn from my own landscape"
B. Woodland:with and without buckthorn
News articles you may use- simply insert appropriate information in the underlined portions:
C. "Alien Allelopaths"
D. "Fall Cleanup of Your Landscape Includes Buckthorn Removal"
E. SAP Buckthorn Roundup- Budget for year 2000
F. SAP Buckthorn Roundup- announcement
G. SAP participation form-formatted for you to fill in your neighborhood information
SAP Buckthorn Roundup Participants:
H. How should you prepare your cut buckthorn for pickup?
I. How to Kill Stumps and Roots
J. "Effects of Exotic Lonicera and Rhamnus on Songbird Nest Predation"
Kenneth A. Schmidt&Christopher J. Whelan, Conservation Biology, Dec. 1999, pages 1502-1506
K. Soybean Aphid report from MDA, August 2000
L. "Buckthorn"
M. `Buckthorn and its Control"-
1 and Mn can be obtained from:
Mn. Dept. of Agriculture. Agronomy and Plant Protection Division,
90 West Plato Boulevard, St. Paul, Mn. 55107-2094
N. Northern Gardener Fact Sheet: Hedge Plants for the Upper Midwest
Can be purchased for$15.00 per 100 through MNLA at 651-633-4987
0. Formula for stump treatment using glyphosate (Roundup or Rodeo).
SOME RESOURCES FOR BUCKTHORN INFORMATION:
European Buckthorn, Problem for Ecosystems'. Opportunities for Woodworkers by Barry Gordon
Woodwork magazine, February 2001 www.barUgordon.com
Check out U of Mn. Info at www.extension.umn.edu and search for `buckthorn'
Buckthorn Seminar-October 3, 2001- Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
1
REFLECTIONS ON REMOVING BUCKTHORN FROM MY OWN LANDSCAPE
Mary Maguire Lerman
When we moved into our home in 1989, the yard was a mess. An old, neglected Common Buckthorn
hedge edged the front yard and was up into the twenty foot height range and fruiting all over. In the
backyard, individual shrubs of Buckthorn were completely edging the yard to the alley having been
spread by the birds leaving their droppings as they sat on the various overhead wires. It took us
several years of cutting and clearing to remove this pest I don't know how many truckloads of
buckthorn we ended up taking to neighborhood cleanups where brush was collected and chipped.
Eventually, we had the large buckthorn out of the yard. However, since neighbors nearby still have it
in their yards, I have to continually remove buckthorn seedlings from the yard on a yearly basis.
The Buckthorn information sheet from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture provides you with
ways to either chemically or physically treat the buckthorn and the stumps. However, 1 want to relay
information to you about the roots. If you have access to a 44 and can literally soak the soil around
buckthorn for many days to loosen the soil, you can then pull it out with a chain via the 44. Of
course you must first call Gopher State One Call to make sure you don't have any buried utilities in
the area. If you do have buried utilities,forget this technique. With the 44 method you have a good
chance of removing a large portion of the roots. If you happen to work in the construction field, a
backhoe will also work quite well as long as the area has been cleared by Gopher State One Call.
The roots on buckthorn are truly amazing. When we had our buckthorn hedge-cut down we also had
the stumps ground out. However, the roots remained for quite some time. It was not until three
years after the stumps had been ground that my husband was able to begin tilling the soil. Even
then, using a power tiller, he was bringing up large sections of bright gold buckthorn roots. I had
been taught at the University, that woody plant roots often take up to 10-12 years to fully decay
underground in our northern climate. That's why you see mushrooms in areas where trees and
shrubs have come down-they feed on the decaying woody matter below ground.
My point is this. Many of you may be removing buckthorn hedges hoping that you can immediately
replant with a new hedge in the same area. This will only happen if you can fully excavate the roots.
Otherwise, you will find that when you try to push a shovel into the ground for a number of years
afterwards that you will be constantly running into these hard buckthorn roots.
-over-
y I
yi
�r � I � � vl+• f I � r
UNDERSTORY without BUCKTHORN
Species Sampler by Habitat with berries for birds:
Mesic Oak Forest Park& Backyard Woodlot: Summer
Wild Geranium 1 White Snakeroot Juneberries (7 species)
Lo seed I Wild Bergamot Cherry/Plums:
Gray-headed Coneflower Wild Plum
Enchanter's nightshade i
Canada Mayflower Thmbleweed Canada Plum
Sweet Cicely Butterfly weed Pin Cherry
Lady Fern Sky Blue Aster Black Cherry
Wild Sarsaparilla Three-flowered Bedstraw Chokecherry '1
False Solomon's Seal ! False Solomon's Seal Blackberries
Interrupted Fern I Yellow Goatsbeard Raspberries
Big-leafed Aster Tall Bellflower Canada Elderberry
Wild Columbine Hog-peanut Red Elderberry
Red Oak Canada Anemone Black Current& Gooseberry
Canada Wild Rve
Dry Oak Forest: Motherwort Fall:
1 Blueberry ! Great Lobelia I Grey Dogwood
i Wild Grape ! Canada Moonseed 1 Round-leafed Dogwood
Bracken Fern ! Yellow Wood Sorrel I Red-osier Dogwood
Biq-leafed Aster Red Raspberry I Winterberry
False Solomon's Seal Jewelweed Mountain Ash ` :"
Woodland Sunflower Wild Blue Phlox Arrowhead Viburnum
i Chokeberry i Bittersweet Vine
Yellow Bellwori Hawthorne
Violet Smooth & Staghorn Sumac '
Maple-Basswood Forest: Declining Trillium Highbush Cranberry
Jack-in-the-pulpit Jack-in-the-pulpit Glossy Black Chokeberry
Bloodroot Kidney-leaf Buttercup Eastern Wahoo
. Zigzag Goldenrod Zigzag Goldenrod Bayberry
Large-flowered Bellwort Red-osier Dogwood Wolfberry
Wild Leek Blue Flag (wild iris) Wayfaringbush Viburnum
ETC. Nannyberry, American Hazelnut
List per Carroll Henaerson.JNIR)
ALIEN ALLELOPATHS
by Mary Maguire Lerman
Mpls. Park and Recreation Board
Have you heard that woodlands and wetlands in Minneapolis- and for that matter-
throughout Minnesota are pleading for their lives? An alien has invaded and threatens their
very survival. This invader's arsenal includes a vigorous root system, mycorrhizal root
fungi, a long growing season, hungry birds, the advantage of no natural predators and an
allelopathic effect on other plants. Say what?
Allelopathy is the direct or indirect effect of one plant on another through production and
release of natural compounds. These compounds prevent nearby plants from thriving. You
have probably heard gardeners talk about black walnut and sunflowers causing this to
occur. Here in Minnesota though, the woody plant that has earned the title of "Alien
Allelopath" is buckthorn.
And boy do we have it. Right here in the City of Lakes. In fact, we have more than one
type of buckthorn that is now a concern for our native landscapes. Look around your yard
and neighborhood. Many of you have Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) growing
in your yard. It was probably planted as a hedge-likely 70 or more years ago. Native to
Europe, it was imported to North America in the late 1700's and widely planted as
hedging material until 1930. In St. Paul and Minneapolis, the number of buckthorn hedges
is astounding. It has been out of the nursery trade since 1930 when research showed that it
was the alternate host of crown rust of oats. However, someone forgot to instruct the
songbirds that it should not be planted.
As a result, the songbirds have spread this plant so that it can now be found in every
county in the state. Birds have limited landscaping skills, so they plant it wherever they
stop to perch or feed. You will find buckthorn growing up through fences, under
roof/gutter lines and among other fruiting shrubs. Unfortunately, the birds forget to limit
their landscaping to private residences and businesses. You will find buckthorn growing in
woodlands. The birds perch in trees on the edge of woods. Once the seeds in their
droppings get established on the edge of native plant communities (where no one mows!),
the buckthorn multiply, form"buckthorn brigades" and begin the invasion to the interior
of these communities.
The woodlands in the metropolitan area are infested with common buckthorn. Here in
Minneapolis, you only have to drive along Lake Harriet Parkway, Minnehaha Parkway,
the River Parkways and through Theodore Wirth Park to see its devastation. It is easiest
to spot in late fall when our native trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves. At that
time, you will notice shrubs that have green leaves that often persist on the plant into
December. That green mass is Common Buckthorn.
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
September 13, 1999
FALL CLEANUP OF YOUR L:V\-DSCAPE INCLUDES BUCKTHORN REMOVAL
October is when we begin the process of putting our gardens to bed for the winter. It's the
time when roses are covered and when annual flowers and vegetables are pulled and added to the
compost once a killing frost hits. It is recommended that many perennials be cut down also following
the frost. However.if you attract birds to your garden,do not cut down late season perennial bloomers
such as sedum, coneflower, hyssop and ornamental grasses. The seed heads on these plants will
remain for the winter and provide additional food for the birds.
In addition to your regular yard preparations for the winter, there is one more task to add to
your list. In mid September.the Minnesota Department of Agriculture added Buckthorn to the noxious
weed list here in the state of Minnesota. Its placement on this list reflects the serious problems that
landowners and park systems are experiencing with this plant. Buckthorn is readily spread by birds
that eat the fruits and leave seeds in droppings at the next site they visit.
Buckthorn shrubs are easily seen at this time of the year. When most trees and shrubs have dropped
their leaves for the winter,buckthorn will continue to retain its green leaves often into late December.
The art below details the foliage of the three different buckthorns common in our area. Common and
the two Glossy-'Columnaris'(Tallhedge)and`Asplenifolia'(Femleaf)
We are asking your assistance in helping to remove this plant from within Minneapolis. Buckthorn
has overtaken our park woodlands and now is invading wetlands. If you have any of the three buckthorns
noted below,please either dig it out or cut it down and prevent it from,resprouting. Only through the
assistance of city residents can we hope to have a chance to turn our woodlands around. As long as
there are buckthorn plants in private property areas, there will be fruits available for the birds to
spread. We have begun an effort to remove buckthorn from parklands,but its success will depend on
you. Please help by destroying any buckthorn on your property. If you want information on how to
remove buckthorn and treat stumps, we can help by providing you with fact sheets on buckthorn
control. Send a stamped. self-addressed envelope to: NVRB-Buckthorn Info, 3800 Bryant Avenue
South,Minneapolis.Minnesota 55409.
For further intormation on this release. call Man, at 612-313-7726
P.S. To media: A detailed article entitled "Alien .411elopaths " liras sent to You this spring. If you
have not alreadv published it, it would be an ideal companion article for this news release. If you
cannot locate your copy, please call :Liar_• and she can either e-mail You a copy or e-mail you the
file with this article.
Rhamnus cathartica
JRhamnusharticaig tip Rhamnus frangula
',4spenifolia'
Rhamnus frangula
St. Anthony Park BUCKTHORN ROUNDUP
Year 2000 BUDGET
INCOME:
SAPAssociation grant 400.00
SAP Garden Club match 400.00
Contributions:
SAP-Community Garden (stumps/brush removal) 200.00
Neighbors: 11/18 515.00*
11/24 125.00*
12/2 70.00*
12/9 25.00*
other neighborhood requests for info 25.00
Grand Total: 1760.00
*these checks were made out to SAPA. then a check issued to SAPGC
EXPENSES:
NotificationNolunteers:
50 Envelopes-initial notification to participants 1.16
Copies 1.35
Ink Cartridge 29.95
City traffic signs 34.78
Kinko's-copies& Envelopes(request for donation) 13.39
Marking pens for signs 10.80
Advertisement-Bugle 131.25
Bruegger's (refreshments for volunteers on 10/28) 8.83
Lamination of Pioneer Press article 4.28
Subtotal: $235.79
Tree Service/Chemicals/Equipment Repair:
Tree service chipping- 11/4/00 1045.00
Tree service-pickup of stumps/buckthorn at gardens 200.00
2.5 gallons Roundup herbicide 120.49
Twin City Saw-saw repair certificates for volunteers 100.00
Subtotal: $1465.49
Grand Total: $1701.28
Balance in SAP Garden Club Buckthorn Fund: $58.72
Will be used for:
4k Mailing of information on how to organize a roundup to other neighborhoods that requested it.
it purchase of"Buckthorn Buster" buttons from Rochester Master Gardeners as soon as they become
available. (These buttons would be given to all volunteers and participants)
TO:OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS
1. Plan a higher cost for photocopying. We had a lot of copying donated. I would guesstimate a budget of
$50.00 for purchase of handouts and copying.
2. Also,you may want to include mailing costs as a budget item.
Our volunteers hand-delivered all the materials to each participant because of time deadlines.
3 Request bids from 3 tree services. Bid for 3 tree service staff to work on chipping. Costs will be higher
than those shown above, as we only had 2 tree service staff working our first roundup.
4. You will probably need a higher budget for refreshments.
P A R K B U G L E 7
O C T O B E R 2 0 0 0 ■
SAP residents can help buck buckthorn
by Mary Maguire Lerman The sale,planting and you remove the seed source tb
Residents of north and south transport of buckthorn in birds eat and carry in their
St.Anthonv Park have a droppings to other sites.And
special opportunity to rid their Minnesota is prohibited as of when you remove buckthorn;
,Yards of the invasive woody plant Dec. 31,2000. your property,you will help a
buckthorn this fall.This program other landscape plants thriwa
is funded by grams from the Assistance will be arAdA
St.Anthony Park Association and roots,either chemically or those who want to participase
the St Anthonv Park Garden mechanically,will be provided. are not able to cut down
Club.On Saturday Nov.4,a The deadline for signing up to buckthorn on their property.
truck and crew will drive down participate is Oct 23. A"Chop'Em Down Day"ha
St.Anthony Park streets,stopping St.Anthony Park residents been scheduled for Sanm*
to pick up and chip buckthorn. have a unique opportunity to help Oct 28,when volunteers wa
Cut buckthorn trees and shrubs remove an invasive plant from assist homeowners.Looking;
will be removed from property their neighborhood and thereby late fall volunteer opportunity
owners'yards at no cost.Residents facilitate restoration of public We can use your help.Fill oars
who want to take advantage of lands.How:When you remove the volunteer portion of the
this service must have their buckthorn from your property, paree,Trion form and send it i
buckthorn shrubs or trees cut and
piled in their front yard by 7 a.m.
on that Saturday.Only buckthorn
that has been piled appropriately
will be picked up and chipped.
The tree service will not cut down
buckthorn on properties as part of
this Saturday event.That is the
Property owners responsibility.
The three buckthorns listed
below are now classified as
noxious weeds by the state of
Minnesota.The sale,planting and
transport of these plants within
the state of Minnesota is
prohibited as of Dec.31,2000.
Any and all of these three
buckthorns qualify for the
roundup chipping program:
•Common Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica)
•Tallhedge or Columnar
Glossy Buckthorn(Rhamnus
frangula"Columnaris')
•Fernleaf Buckthorn
Rhamnus frangula"Asplenifolia")
To participate in the
roundup,residents must sign up
in advance using the form on this
page in the St.Anthonv Park
.Associations ad.Specific
instructions will be provided to
each participant regarding
stacking and pickup procedures.
Participants can also obtain
information on desirable
reoiacement hedges for
buckthorn.Information on how
to kill the remaining srumps and
NEIGHEOR1400D NAME
BUCKTHORN ROUNDUP PARTICIPATION FORM
Yes, I want to participate in the buckthorn roundup.
(PLEASE PRINT)
Name
Address
ZipCode
Phone ( )
I will have my buckthorn cut. stacked and ready for pickup on date of pickup by 7 a.m.
Please send me the information on how to properly stack the buckthorn and how to kill the stumps.
I need assistance in cutting/hauling/stacking buckthorn on my property.
1 can volunteer to assist others with cutting/ hauling/stacking of buckthorn.
I'm not sure if I have buckthorn on my property. I would like to have my property checked
to determine if buckthorn is present. Please call me to schedule a time for a visit.
I need information about replacement hedge plant materials.
Participation forms must be postmarked no later than isAecified date)
Mail the form to:
Organization
Address
If you have further questions about the roundup, please leave a message at
designated phone number. Your call will be returned during the evening or on the weekend.
Note to neighborhoods:Master Gardeners are a good resource for you. Ask your county extension agent if
they are available to assist. They could help by checking properties that request an inspection for
® identification of buckthorn. They can also help in other ways.
To: SAP residents participating in the Buckthorn Roundup- Sat., November 4 2000
P ,
All buckthorn must be cut and ready for pickup by 7 a.m. on Saturday November 4'h
From: Mary Maguire Lerman
10-15-2000
Re: specific information —Read both sides before you proceed!!f
I have spoken with the staff of the tree service that will be handling the buckthorn roundup in order to
prepare this list of information for you. Over 30 residents throughout St. Anthony Park have signed up for
the pickup of their buckthorn debris, so it is very important that every property owner have their brush
prepared so that it can be quickly pulled from your front yard and chipped. Only residents that have
submitted the buckthorn application form are receiving this information.
How should you prepare your cut buckthorn for pickup?
Keep in mind that you cannot block public sidewalks or streets with the cut branch esitrunks.
If you are cutting your buckthorn down prior to Halloween, remember that children will be running about that
evening-so be sure to place it where they will not be harmed. The tips of most branches of buckthorn have
sharp thorns. It would be a good idea to somehow prevent neighborhood children from encountering your
buckthorn brush.
DO NOT place your cut buckthorn on the boulevard. Set your piles of buckthorn in your front yard, close to
the public sidewalk, but not so close that the brush overhangs the sidewalk.
DO NOT TIE OR BUNDLE the buckthorn in any way.
DO pile the buckthorn so that all the cut ends of the branches are pointing towards the street. Then when
the chipping crew arrives at your property, they simply need to pull it out on the boulevard and into the
chipper.The length of the buckthorn stems does not matter as the tree service will be bringing a very large
chipping unit.
DO NOT place the buckthorn in piles taller than 4 feet. Any higher than that will make it difficult for the
chipper operators to quickly pull and remove your buckthorn. If you need to, make rows of 4 foot high
stacks in your front yard starting as close as possible to the city sidewalk.
REMOVE any vines that may be growing around your buckthorn and do not include in the piles for pickup.
These can be very dangerous for the chipper operators. We will not pickup any buckthorn with vines.
When your buckthorn is cut, please check to see if you have any large diameter stems. If you have any
stems that measure 3"across or larger, please call Dody at xxx-)o=. She is a SAP resident and a
woodworker. She will come and examine your buckthorn to see if she can use it with her hobby. Buckthorn
is a hardwood with great grain lines similar to what you encounter with walnut.
Finallv, roots of buckthorn cannnot be out through the chipper. if you dig up your buckthorn. you must cut
off the roots and dispose of yourself. The tree service will notpickur) any buckthorn with roots attached
What do you do to buckthorn stumps after cutting so they do not resprout?
There are several ways to be certain to kill the root system of the buckthorn once it is removed.
There are both mechanical and chemical options. They are.-
Mechanical methods:
1. If you have a large hedge, you may want to hire a tree service to stump grind out the stumps and some
of the upper roots. I would recommend you contact 3 tree services for estimates. Look in the yellow
pages under tree services and make certain the firms are licensed, bonded, insured and certified
professional arborists.
2. Another mechanical method involves your participation over the next 1-2 years. Next spring when
sprouts emerge from the cut buckthorn stumps, get out once a week and prune (or mow) off all the
sprouts. This needs to be done on a weekly basis until the stumps fail to produce sprouts. What is
happening is that the roots are using their starch reserves to produce new shoots. If they cannot leaf
out and produce leaves to make new food to support the roots, eventually the starch supply is
exhausted and the roots die. This may take more than one year of weekly pruning to accomplish this
task. If you fail to do this on a weekly basis throughout the growing season, your buckthorn will return
with a vengeance!
3. Tin can method: For this method to work, you must cut the buckthorn down in a specific way. Instead
. of cutting the buckthorn as close to the ground as possible, leave at least 2-3 inches of stem above
ground. Then, find empty tin cans that will fit over the entire remaining stump with enough height so
that the tin can reaches the ground level and can be pushed into the soil slightly. Then take nails and
and hammer the nails through the can into the stem-stump. These cans must remain in place for at
least one growing season, possibly two. What the cans do is to prevent light from reaching any of the
shoots as they emerge from the stumps. Basically it accomplishes the same thing as item 2, except
that you don't have to weekly remove the shoots. However it is very important that the can completely
cover the stump and that it is securely nailed to the stump. Simply placing the can over the stump will
not accomplish anything. The shoots are very strong and they will push the can off the stump.
Chemical methods:
It is very important that when using a chemical method that the chemical be applied within 24 hours of
cutting the stumps. Otherwise, your efforts are wasted and the buckthorn will resprout with Medusa-like
shoots and energy next spring. Here are your two chemical options:
1. Pickup Ortho Brush B Gon at your hardware or local garden center. Follow the label directions and
apply to the cut surface and any remaining woody above ground portions of the buckthorn.
2- Option two is available from me. but only on certain days. As part of this roundup effort. we have
purchased another herbicide-Roundup, to treat buckthorn stumps. I hold a non-commercial state of
Minnesota current pesticide applicator license. If you want me to treat your buckthorn stumps, leave me
a phone message at xxx-xxxx as to when you plan to cut your buckthorn. I can come out in the evening
hours and on weekends to treat your stumps. They must be treated within 24-48 hours of cutting to
be effective. There is no charge for this treatment, it is part of our neighborhood effort.
�I -
�J
Effects of Exotic Lonicera and Rbamnus on Songbird
Nest Predation
HENti= A. SCHMIDT— _N,D CHRISTOPHER T. NX'HELAN
'Institute o?Ecosystem Studies. Box AB. Ntillbrook. NY 12545, L..�"A. ?
'Illinois Natural Historn•Survey. `fidewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Willington,IL 6,3481. I..s.A. 1
a
j
i
Abstract: Habitat fragmentation and disturbance exacerbate the invasion or exotic plant species that, in
turn, may,attract nesting songbirds by providing a branch structure suitable for nest sites. We document that
American Robin (rurdus tnigratonus) nests in two exotic plants. Lonicera maackii and Rhantnus cathartica. ex-
perienced higher predation [ban nests built in comparable native shrubs (Ctataegus, Viburnum) and native
tree species. This was due to a combination of lower nest height. the absence of sharp thorns on the exotic spe-
cies, and Derhaps a branch architecture that facilitated Dredator movement among the exotic species. In a
more subtle interaction. nesting IrVood Thrushes (Hylocichia mustelina) experienced aDDarent competition
with robins for nest sites in Lonicera and this interaction was further aggravated by an increased selectivity
for Lonicera by nesting robins,possibly due to their early leaf flush and expansion. By documenting increased
nest predation in songbirds nesting in exotic shrubs, our results suggest that restoring native plant communi-
ties may benefit the surrounding avian community.
Efectos de las Especics Ex6licas Lonicera y Rhamnus cr.1a Depredaci6n de Nidos de Aves Cantotas
Resumen: La fragmentation 11 perturbaci6n de htibitats incrementan la invasion de especies de plantar
ex6ticas que, en turno,pueden atraer aves cantoras anidando al nidos del zor_-al americano (I'urdus migra-
torius) en dos plantas exdticas, Lonicera maackii y Rhamnus cathartics, que experimentaron major depre-
daci6n que los zorzales que construveron nidos en arbustos nativos comparables (Crataegus, Vibumum)y en
especies nativas de arboies. Esto se debi6 a la combination de una altura del nido mas baja, la ausencia de
espinas filosas en Las especies exdticas y probablemente a una arquitectura de rarnas que facilit6 el mov-
imiento de depredadores entre Las especies exdticas. En una interacci6n mas sutil, el zorzalito maculado(Hy-
locichla mustelina) exDerimentd una aDarente competencia con el zor_-al americano por sitios de nidact'6n en
Lonicera, esia interaction fife agravada aun mas por una creciente selectividad por Lonicera por zor_-al
americano.Dosiblemente debido a site temprano desarrollo de bojas y expansion. Al documentar el incre-
mento en is depredation de nidos en aves cantoras anidando en arbustos exdticos, nuestros resultados
sugieren que La restauracidn de comunidades de plantar nativas Dodria beneficiar las comunidades de ayes
de Los alrededores.
Introduction of the Rockv Mountains (Luken :- Thieret 1996; Hutch-
inson 3 Vankat 1997). W'here they occur.Lonicera and
Exotic plant species in the genera Lonicera and Rbam- Rhamnus provide a branch structure suitable for nest
nus have invaded numerous sites tnroughout much of construction within the range of heights used by man'
temperate, eastern North America. Lonicera maackii, songbird species (Whelan & Dilger 1992. 1995). These
i
for instancc. is now widespread in ai least 25 states east shrubs therefore mail act as ecological traps if songbirds
nesting in them experience higher predation than com-
Current eauaress: Un:versi:y of Membbu. DeDanment of Biology, a ble natlVe Shlrubs(Gates & G}'sel 19-8).
Ellington Hall.,11emObu. T,%, 38152, L. . i. Habitat fragmentation exacerbates both the invasion
Paper suom:aed fanuan_ 29, 1999, revised manuscript acceDted of exotic olant species (Hobbs & Huenneke 1992;
Stay ZG, 1999. Hutchinson & vankat 1997, and
1502 � higher nest predation
Conserv2rion Biology.Pages 1502-1;O6
Viburnum ('rig. _a;. SamDie size considerations Co
l aq sL-ai.ned the firs analysis to robins and the second an,-d
sis to thrushes. we tested these comparisons for desig
differences. such as the absence of long, sharp thorns i
Rhamnus. and architecrara differences. such as stung
�rataeoLis branches or reduced basal cover in Lonicera, relative t
those of native shrubs of comparable height and starun
We performed separate analyses using either Dllgts ca
Rhamnus cuiated from all predation events or only those
pred:
uon events ascribed to large mammals because we h,
j� pothesized that the influence of thorns and substr-dt
Vibumum architecture would have the largest effect on this grout
of predators. For robins DMRs were higher in Rhamnu
all predation events when considering(X` = 3.94,df= 1
i-♦-f Lonicera p < 0.05; Fig. 1). Furthermore, this difference
was mon
pronounced when predation by only large rnarnm.IL,
i was considered (Rhamnus: DMR = 0.0272 { 0.0054
Crataegus: no mammalian predation; X' = 7.26, df =
0 5 10 15 1. p < 0.01). For thrushes, DMRs were not signin.
candy different for either comparison (p > 0.30).
Nest height (m) Despite experiencing higher predation when nesting
in Lonicera, robins dramatically increased their use 01
0.15-- Lonicera over the stud-,- period (r'- = 0.912,p < 0.01;
• Fig 320 from 51,o in 1992 to 33% in 1997, with a concom•
itant decline in the use of native trees. Thrushes showed
no overall trend (p > 0.25), but Lonicera was more fre-
quently used in the latter half of the study(Fig. 3a). This
>, 0.10 increased overlap comes at a cost to thrushes. The DMR
._ • of thrush nests built in Lonicera was positively related
to the annual number of robins nesting in Lonicera(r' _
p • 0.462,p < 0.07, 1-tailed test; Fig 3b)and not simply the
•
• cumulative number of nests, as previously determined
>' 0.05 •• (Schmidt &Whelan 1998).
• ' Discussion
Q.0 1Our data show that exotic Lonicera and Rhamnus af-
0 5 10 15 fected songbird nest success in two ways. First, exotic
shrubs directly enhanced nest predation (primarily by
Nest height (m) large mammals) in American Robins, perhaps through a
combination of lower nest height, the absence of sharp
Figure 2. (a)Mean (_ I SD)height of American thorns. and a branch architecture that may facilitate
Robin nests within the different nest plant sDecies: (-b) predator movement. Despite higher predation, robins
regression of the daily morzalitt r:te of robin nests increased their use of Lonicera during our study (Fig.
against nest height (m). The data fit a logarithmic re- 3a). The cause of the increase is unknown but appears
gression substantially better 0.496) than a linear related to Lonicera's earl- leaf flush and expansion
-egression (r' = 0,37C). (Tnsel & Gorchov 1994)_ Robins nest in Lonicera most
often earl- in the season (K.A.S., unpublished data), al-
.houen it is unknown whether this is because early leaf
mammals was also iltverseiv related to nest height (r= = flush attracts eariy-season nesting activity or whether
1291,p — 0.02). robins choose aitemative substrates after attempts in
To control for the effects of nest height in subsequent Lonicera have failed. The former hypothesis suggests an
ariah•ses, we used pair wise comparisons berween sub- ecological trap (Gates & Gvsel 19'8), whereas the latter
t ates with strongly oyeri'apping nest height distribu- suggests an adaptive response. although the two behav-
tions: Rhamnus versus Crataegus and Lonicera versus fors are no: mutually exclusive. Other tem,t)oral correla-
In K!vlt llln if Mir lry'
one cause of the hiehe_ Dredatior. rates S f:agmentec gram fc- the an-lysis c.` scvera: survival o- recovers•
landscapes and along habitat edges. Technical ttpor-2-. U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.Laurel,
While likely t0 De ConirOve Sia. t;.i; Dr, a: Hobbz, FL *.. and� :. rucnreKe. 199'_. D�sn roance.diverstn and
sior:impucauon.s m-, conservation.Conservation Biology 6-324_
least appears feasible, and we hope our results will stun- 337
Hutchinson.. = anc Vankat. 1997. inva_sibilirr and efft
Mate critical research in this are-• I; invasive. exotic Amur honeysuckle ir+ southwestern Oho forests. Cottservat
shrubs are shown t0 incrt-ase nest DredaLlOn in other set- ology 11:111--i:::.
zings. restoring native, fruio-producing shrub species James, F. C., C. E. McCulloch. and D. A. Wiedenfeid. 1996. New
.
could accompiish several conservation. goals simulta- proaches to the analyses of population-trendsin land b-27 irds.
neoush• by enhancing native plan: species richness and ogy 7:1"
Latta,S.C.,and M. E. Bait-. 1997.Population limitation in Neotta
songbird nes: success, while concornitanth' maintaining migratory birds:comments on Rappoie and McDonald(1994)
fruit resources necessary'for migrant fat deposition. 114:754-762.
Luken,J. O..and J. I:'. Thieret. 1996.Amu:honeysuckle, its fall 1to�
grace. BioSciencc
Martin, T. E. 1998. Arc microhabitat preferences of coexisting bird
aCl:nOwled�1r11eRts species under. seiection and adaptive?Ecology 79:656-670.
Martin,T. E.,and J. R. Roper. 1988. Nest predation and nest-site seiec_
We thank: S. Dilger and others for their dedicated field lion of a western population of the Hermit Thrush.Condor 90:51-57.s
htayficld, H. F. 19'5.Suggestions for calculating nest success.W
work. We especially thank:S. Robinson, who urged us to t>smnI
Bulletin 87:456-466.
conduct the analysis. C. Jones. G. Levin. B. Molano-
Mills,G.s.,J.B.Dunning g Jr.,and K.rat.Bate_ 1989.Effects of urbania.
Flores, R. Ostfeid, ,li. Rudolph. and E. Ulazek com- tion on breeding bird community structure in southwestern dextc
mented usefully on the manuscript. We are most grate- habitats. Condor 91:428-461.
f111 to G. Ware and C. Dunn of The Morton Arboretum Rappoie,J. H.,and M. V. McDonald. 1994.Cause and cNect in poptda.
for facilitating our research. This research Ryas sup slop declines of migratory birds.Auk 111:652-660.
Robinson,S. K.,F.R.Thompson nI,T.M.Donovan,D.R.Whitehead,
ported by a National Science Foundation Dissertation
c R and J.Faaborg. 1995. Regional forest fragmentation and the nesting
._.:W
Improvement Grant(K.A.S.)and the Emily Rodgers Davis success of migratory birds.Science 267:1987-1990.
Chair Endowment to The.Morton Arboretum(C.J.W.). Schmidt. K. A. 1999. Foraging theory as a conceptual framework for
studying nest predation.Oikos 85:151-160.
Schmidt,K.A.,and C.J.Whelan. 1998. Predator-mediated interactions
Literature Cited between and within guilds of nesting songbirds:experimental and
observational evidence.American Naturalist 152:393-402.
Askins. R..A.,J.F.Lynch.and R.Greenberg. 1990. Population declines Trisel,D.E.,and D.L Gorchov. 1994.Regional distribution,ecological
in migratory birds in eastern North America. Current Ornithology impact, and leaf phenology of the invasive shrub Lonicera
7.1-5 7. maackit: Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America 75:231.
Gates.J. E..and L W.Gyscl. 19-8.Avian nest dispersion and fledgling van Home, B. 1983. Density as a misleading indicator of habitat qual-
success in field-forest ecotonm.Ecology 59:871-a83. iry.Journal of Wildlifc Management 47:893-901.
Germaine,S.S.. S.S. Rosenstock. R. E. Schweinsberg,and W. S. Rich- Whelan, C. J., and M. L. Dilgcr. 1992. Invasive, exotic shrubs: a
ands-on. 1998.Relationships among breeding birds,habitat,and res paradox for natural area managers? Natural Areas Journal 12:109-
idential development in greater Tucson,Arizona. Ecological Appli- 110.
cations 8:680-691. Whelan,C.J.,and M.L. Dilger. 1995.Exotic invasive shrubs:a paradox
Hines,J. E.,and J.R. Sauer. 1989. Program CON-MA6.ST:a general pro- revisited.Natural Areas Journal 15.296.
.,.qi All
I'kiI�,1I 'ylS 1
INNES OTA AG DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
P+E ST :
E*P*O+R+T
MPR 14-00 Gene Hueoson Commissioner Aueust 25. 2000
Soybeans
.after last weeks report of Aphis glycines(soybean aphid)in Wisconsin,we began a special survey to determine if the
aphid was present in Minnesota—and if so,to map its distribution. Since August 18,we have found aphids resembling
A.glycines in 6 Minnesota Counties:
Houston,Winona,Wabasha,Goodhue,
Fillmore and Olmsted. However,while ~I`,
these aphids resemble.4.glycines they l T s
have not been yet been confirmed as 1
such. The greatest aphid abundance is
in Houston and Winona Counties ;= t
where every field checked has �.
contained aphids. Wabasha County G 4b of soybean ptarrts rtiEh aphids
1 �f
has also had aphids found in every 0 .
field,however only 2 fields have been
visited. Goodhue,Fillmore and <, So
Olmsted Counties have produced fields • _ j
with and without aphids. In addition ` •1 '" ;r�_ y
00
to these counties.University of + +'
Minnesota researchers have found
aphids resembling A.glycines in f.. �4
. Ramsey and Dakota Counties. Finally, y•"• • ";
just today a specimen came in from ,, �'• - r m
Meeker County that resembles the '•, .«
soybean aphid. All other counties
remain negative for aphids of any kind
in soybeans(see map). Fields are
•„ k;. ,�•,+,
checked for aphids by inspecting 10 '� '•
whole plants,each separated by at least '..��,,, *+�;,,.t.• t
10 m. The infestation is quantified by ( •� ';
expressing the number of plants
infested per 10 checked as a percentage "• '. t l w"*�"�,
for the field. In addition.the ,
abundance of aphids on each plant is �'t' , t
rated as
• Light=aphids present but rare
• Moderate=aphids easily found but not abundant
• Heavy=plant inundated with aphids
1i Aphid abundance on all infested plants has been rated as light. In fact,we are regularly finding only 1-2 aphids on l
leaf per plant. This low abundance may be partially due to the time of year as soybeans are reaching maturity and
---�j soybean aphids'would be switching to their primary host.European buckthom—an exotic forest weed.%Observations
made by University of Minnesota Entomologist Ken Ostlie"of ar aphid infested field in Wisconsin indicate that the
damage caused to plants may be distinctive. Leaf discoloration is found that resembles a potassium deficiency where
the leaf surface along the veins remains green but the rest of the leaf turns veilow. We spotted these symptoms in
relatively few fields during our survey. Some fields where these symptoms were found contained aphids,others did
not. This may indicate that aphid populations were more abundant cariier in the season. The picture below was taken
in a field in Goodhue Counrv—aphids were found on this plant. However,as a whole this field looked excellent and
most fields where aphids were found were heaithv and showed no observable damage. Considering the maturity of the
crop and the low abundance of aphids.treatment does not need to be considered for aphids in soybeans this season.
1 �
Minnesota Department of A-Gnculture 90 West Plato Boulevard-St.Paul. Minnesota 5 5107-2094
Agronomy&Plant Protection Division Telephone 6 J1-296-6121 -Fax 6J1-?97-"71
Buckthorn
Family Rhamnaceae, Genera Rhamnus
In Minnesota there are M-o non-native species of buckthorn. The
buckthorn that endanger our native woodlands,wetlands fruit of Common
and savannas. The non-native buckthorns are persistent Buckthorn was
plants that flourish in the understory of woodlands, once used
wetlands and brush thickets along roadsides and fields. medicinally as a
They are invasive and tend to grow in large colonies cathartic until a much
displacing native plant communities in a relatively short less violent remedy was
time. A third species, Dwarf.Alder (Rhamnus found. The juice from the Common Buckthorn
alnifolia)is native and is no threat and is therefore not ripened fruit can be used to
discussed in this fact sheet. produce dyes and pigments. The wood is very durable
and makes good firewood-
Non-native buckthorns are native to Europe and Asia
and were introduced into North.American in the late Glossy Buckthorn has no thorns and its glossy leaves
1700s. They quickly naturalized in the woodlands of are narrower than those of Common Buckthorn.
northeastern US and have been moving west ever since. Tallhedge and Columnar Buckthorn are narrow,upright
Common Buckthorn was purchased by early cultivarsof Glossy Buckthomintroducedbynurseries.
Minnesotans as a hedgerow plant until 1930 when It Some nurseries are now phasing out the production of
was found to be an alternate list of crown rust of oats. this buckthorn now that they are aware of its damage
to native plant communities.
Primarily it is songbirds that eat buckthorn fruit and
spread the seed through their droppings throughout Common Buckthorn is found in woodland and drier
woodlands and wetlands. The fruits contain three to slopes while Glossy,Alder or Fen Buckthorn prefers
four seeds and the seeds remain viable for several the moist soils of woodlands and wetlands. In partial
years. shade buckthorns will outgrow neighboring plants
reaching toward sunlight.
The two non-native species of-buckthom in Minnesota v
are Common Buckthorn, (Rhamnus cathartica) and Control Approaches for Buckthorn
Glossy,Alder or Fen Buckthorn(Rhamnus frangula). 1. Hedge Control
Buckthorn can mature to a Height of 15-20 feet and
has dark green,elliptical to oval shaped leaves. The There are two ways to handle buckthorn hedges,they
bark and leaves ofbuckthom often resemble Wild Black are:
Cherry(Prunus serotina). Buckthorn is often found
invading woodlands near the cherries. It Is common A. Remove and replace them,with an
for the green leaves ofbuckthom to remain on tile plant other hedge.
into early winter, making them easy to spot beneath B. Shear the hedge several times each season to
the canopy of deciduous trees.
remove the flowers. It Is important to shear
when the flowers are blooming during May
Common Buckthorn(Rhamnus cathanica):Common and June to remove the flowers to prevent fruit
Buckthom's name comes from the thorn that is found from developing. Hand remove and destroy
meowing between the terminal buds on branches The any developing fntits.
buds resemble the hooves of deer, hence. the name
ax�cr_o6i i=Ch
with a laver of black plastic that will prevent light and First vear•
moisture from reaching them. Secure the edges of the l. Cut mature shrubs or trees between January to
plastic so wind and rodents cannot disturb the cover March or June to December.
during,the entire growine season. This should kill the
young seedlings within one growing season. 2. Remove fruit-bearing brush from site.
C. Spray the foliage in the fall with Krenite S (-')`o)
making sure that every leaf on every plant is thoroughly Stump treatments. chose one of several
wetted. The exact spray time for your areas is tinned to approaches.
when fall color bezins to show on trees and shrubs If
the area you are spraying also has woody plant seedlings. 4. Pull seedlings. do it anytime You can.
do not fear. When the spray is timed to fall coloration-
non-buckthorn plants will not be harmed. If Krenite S Second year:
is sprayed too early in the season, other wood plants 1. Control seedlings, chose one of several
will be harmed. If Krenite S is sprayed too late in the approaches.
fall,there will be poor buckthorn control. Krenite S is a
growth regulator that will prevent the buckthorn buds 2• Follow-up cutting any buckthorn previously missed.
from opening the following year. You will not see any
obvious change to the buckthorn in the fall following -1. Stump treatments, chose one of several
the Krenite S spray application. Krenite S is a bud approaches,
growth regulator and the evidence will be seen in the
spring when the sprayed buckthorn does not leaf out. Third year:
Control seedlings, chose one of several approaches.
Restoration of Native Species Fourth year:
1. Continue to monitor for buckthorn and control
Removing buckthorn to restore the native plant seedlings'
communities is a long-term process requiring several
steps over a minimum five year period. Cutting and Plant native understory trees, shrubs, ferns,
pulling removing mature plants, STUMD treatments,p g wildflowers and or grasses to approximate prior
seedlings and replanting the site with native species are native plant community.
critical to the success of restoration efforts. The Fifth vear•
following is the recommended plan for native species
restoration activities: Continue to monitor for buckthom and control seedlings.
*Disclaimer.- No endorsement or discrimination is made. intended or implied regarding any product mentioned in or
ommited from this publication.
This fact sheet was assembled from information provided at a 1995 Buckthorn Conference sponsored by the Minneapolis
Park&Recreation Board. • Author:Mary Maguire Lerman,Minneapolis Park&Recreation Board - Buckthorn illustration
on page one by Pete Ascher.
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is available to
all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin. sex, creed. marital status, veteran status, status with
regard to public assistance, political opinion or affiliation, age, disability or sexual preference. Discrimination inquires
should be sent to MDA Affirmative Action. c/o Administrative Semites Division. 90 'Nest Plato Boulevard. St. Paul.
Minnesota 55107-2094.
This publication is available in an alternative format upon request. TTY: 1-800/627-3529.
Printed on recycled paper with at least 10%post-consumer waste. This paper is recyclable.
!' Minnesota Department of Agricuiture 90 West Plato Boulevard St. Paul. MN s-107-2094
Agronomy & Plant Protection Division Telephone: 612/296-8328 Fax: 612!296-7386
An MDA Pest Alert _
Buckthorn. and its Control
Introduction Common buckthorn grows to a
There are three buckthorn (Rhamnus) species height of 20 feet with a spreading,
found growing in Minnesota: R. alnifolia or irregular crown. The bark is
dwarf alder. R. cathartica called common or rough gray/brown, similar in
European buckthorn and R.frangula also appearance to Prunus sp. The
known by the common names glossy, fen or 3/8 inch glossy black fruit is
alder buckthorn. bome in dense clusters at twig
axils. Twigs have sub-opposite
Of the three species, only glossy buckthorn has buds and a notable spine at tip.
cultivars in the nursery trade. Cultivars noted: Leaves are elliptic. finely toothed.
'Asplenifolia' the fernleaf buckthorn, 'Colum- pointed and glossy dark green.
naris' or columnar buckthorn. and 'Tallcole' Two strong diagnostic character- Rhamnus
called tallhedae buckthorn. istics of buckthorn are the prolific cathartica
berry clusters and leaves that stay mig"P.
Species dark green on the tree well into winter. long after
Dwarf alder (R. alnifolia) natives have turned color and shed their leaves.
. is native to the northern
half of Minnesota as far Glossy buckthorn (R.frangula) is from Europe.
south as the Twin Cities. While drought tolerant its bad reputation comes
It is a small shrub, four from its tendency to aggressively invade wetlands
by four feet, found and moist woodlands. In height and width it is
typically in tamarack Rh�am7n7us similar to common buckthorn. While leaves are
alnifolia
swamps and wet mead- similar in size and shape venation is pinnately
ows. It is not considered invasive within its netted and buds are alternate. There is no spine at
natural range. There are no selections of dwarf twig tips. The red fruit turns black at maturity and
alder in the nursery trade. is consumed by
birds which can
Common or European buckthorn (R. cathartica) \ deposit seed great
is native to Europe and was brought to Minnesota \ distances.
in the mid-1800's as a hedging material. In
Minnesota. it is the most problematic buckthorn. Columnar forms
Readily invading woodland understories and in the nursery
field/prairie edges trade are narrow
Rhamnus Rhamnus.+anguia
cathartica it is both drought upright to 12 feet,
and shade tolerant. 'Asplenifolia' is
This species is fine textured. height to 12 feet and spreading.
rapidly spread by
birds feeding on
its fruit. It has not Rhamnus rranguia'Asolenitolia' r
/
/J been sold in the t
nursery trade since
the 19.) S.
Page 1
Basal bark treatment is the application of a Fire is an effective tool for controlling woody
chemical to the lower bark of the tree. Garlon 4 is plant species. Fire should be considered a sup-
preferred for this application. pression tool though repeated burns may exhaust
the weak rooted buckthorns' ability to compete
I1 11 10, resulting in mortality. It is most effective against
seedlings and small saplings.
Garlon 4 is non-restricted use and comes in 2.5
gal. containers. Active ingredient - triclopyr Heavily colonized understories often have too
61.60/'0 (ester). little fuel to sustain a hot burn. Preplanning &
preparation for a burn in public areas can be more
Application: Dilute 1 to 4 with diluent oil. Apply costly than anticipated. Be aware of all local a
with low pressure sprayer with ultra low volume state fire codes, permits, ordinances. etc.
wand using a Y-2 or Y-3 nozzle. Completely ,
encircle basal 10" of tree leaving. Thoroughly wet
bark but NOT to point of runoff. Colder tempera-
tures may adversely affect spray pattern. Read Mechanical removal is not practical on large
label for other applications using Garlon 4 includ- heavilv colonized acreage. Where plants are
ing cut stump treatments. sparse it can be the most expedient and environ-
mentally friendly course of action. Larger trees
Advantages: doesn't require cutting top of tree can be readily dug, pulled and chopped out of the
off, price is more cost effective with high usage. ground. Buckthorn does not readily resprout from
lower user risk (does not carry same eve risk as underground roots. Buckthorn typically has thin
Garlon 3A), high efficacy. season long use. wiry roots and in most woodland soils it pulls
quite nicely_ up to 3/8" caliper.
Disadvantages: cost/container size not practical
for small applications, must be mixed (oil
,I ZZ"
diluent), ester formulation may volatilize and /
cause off site damage to non-target plants in hot Biological controls are not available for buck-
weather. thorn at present.
—" Author:
Foliar Treatments: Broadleaf herbicides labeled Peter M. Dziuk
for woody brush control can be effective against Pest Management unit, MDA
buckthorn seedlings and stump sprouts. Careful
survey for desirable species within a control area Reviewed by:
should be considered before application. Charlie Evenson
Resources Division. Hennepin Parks
_ A
John Sierk
Krenite S is a brush control agent containing Ag Chem Registration Unit. MDA
fosamine 41.5%. Mode of action is inhibition of
bud break the following growing season after Design and Layout:
treatment. In buckthorn control the theory is to Peter M. Dziuk
spray green foliage (ideally seedlings) late in Pest Management Unit, MDA
. season after desirable species have turned fall
color. Hennepin Parks reports zero to poor con- This fact sheet summarizes most recent
trol in late season application trials. Distributor control methods used by field practitioners.
will further study application and efficacy.
Page 3
RTH, RN
Hedge Plants for the Upper Midwest
Many different woody plants can
be used to create attractive hedges CARING FOR_-YOUR ENVIRONMENT
or screens adding beauty and
privacy to the home landscape. ✓ Both common buckthom1?hamnratlzurtrca)
When planting a hedge, plants are glossy buckthorn {Tr'Izarxznus frangzrTa} have been
sold tenstvely over the years
spaced closer than normal so that a�
esp y>o useecialls hedges
they will grow together densely. B�/C horn
Golixmnar,
Hedges can help define a space in
or'l lhedge,glassy
the landscape or create a visual or buckthorn has beers very
physical barrier. w POO ar because tts
lle t
Hedges can generally be
upright'habit mauseful.
screening in narrow paar
described as formal or informal. fairly�� �'`�__ z ,
Formal hedges are trimmed or Rhamnus ilsfortunately,all of these
sheared in a geometrical shape so cathartica buckthorns have proven to
that the foliage forms a smooth invasive Pests. They produce
lane. These hedges must be man stedUng plants which are
pruned one or more times per year. often found growing in cultivated landscapes and
Informal hedges are pruned only invading the understory of native woodlands.
minimally and the plants develop Buckthorn often crowds out More desirableplants
their normal growth habit. They and,have become;a serious weed problem in both
may only need light maintenance
urban and rural areas.Because of its invasiveness,
buckthorn is no longer recommended for �nting
pruning every two to three years. pl Rhamnus
The following list includes a frangula
number of shrubs and small trees
that work well as hedges or screens.
Many of these plants can be grown and thicket serviceberry (A. Berberis spp.
as either formal or informal hedges, canadensis) are most useful for Barberry
but some are best left informal. hedges.
The dense, thorny growth of
Amelanchier spp. Barberries make them ideal for use as
Amelanchier or Aronia melanocarpa barriers. There are many cultivars
Serviceberry Black Chokeberry available of Japanese Barberry (B.
This hardy shrub is noted for its thunbergii) and Hybrid Barberries,
There are a number of profusion of white spring flowers, including many with red, gold, or
Amelanchier species and cultivars, glossy green leaves, black fruit, and purple foliage. Most Barberries have
and they all have lovely white flowers bright red to burgundy fall color. attractive yellow flowers in spring and
in the spring, edible purple-black Black Chokeberry tolerates a wide clusters of bright red fruit which adds
fruit, and good fall color. Shrubby, range of soil conditions. The variety color in fall and winter.
lower growing cultivars and species elata and the cultivar"Autumn
uch as 'Regent', Prince William', Magic' grow smaller than the species.
Philadelphus spp.
Mockorangex
laMockorange is valued for its
rofusion of fragrant white flowers
produced in late spring to early z ;u : .
summer. The plants, unfortunately, k� .
tend to have an untidy growth habit
1
and benefit from regular pruning.
Formal shearing greatly reduces
flowering so is best reserved for ev
cultivars such as the gold foliaged
'Aureus'which is grown more for the
leaf color than for flowers. Some of
the hardiest cultivars include
'Blizzard', 'Miniature Snowflake', and
'Snowgoose'.
Physocarpus opulifolius
Ninebark Syringa x chinensis(Chinese Lilac)
This large native shrub develops
shredding bark on older stems. For in a lower-growing hedge form. It growing season. The cultivar 'Green
hedge use, more compact forms such has soft-textured light green to blue- Mound' is a dwarf form with dense
as 'Nanus' and the gold foliaged green needles. growth and good foliage qualities.
cultivars 'Darts Gold' and 'Nugget' are Prunus spp. Spiraea spp.
good choices. Clusters of white Cherries Spirea
flowers brighten the plant in spring
J the seedheads often have a nice Two shrub type cherries that make There are many Spireas that can be
0eddish coloration in late summer. good formal or informal hedges are used for hedges. They generally are
Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) most suited for informal hedges,
Picea glauca and Purpleleaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x since shearing will remove many of
White Spruce cistena). Nanking Cherry is the flowers. Vanhoutte Spirea
For a formal evergreen hedge, extremely cold hardy and has a (Spiraea vanhouttei) is an old-
White Spruce is a good choice. It has profusion of white flowers in the fashioned favorite with tall, arching
short, grey-green needles and spring followed by tart, bright red stems and a profusion of clusters of
tolerates shearing better than other fruit in mid-summer. Purpleleaf small white flowers in the spring.
Black Hills Spruce Sand Cherry has lovely deep reddish- Threelobe Spirea (Spiraea trilobata)
spruce species.
(Picea glauca var. Hills
has dark purple foliage that retains its color has similar flowers but is a smaller
needles and dense growth and well all through the growing season. shrub; the cultivars 'Fairy Queen',
green
can also used for hedges. Any It bears light pink flowers in the 'Swan Lake', and 'Snow White'all
spruce species can be planted at close spring. form compact, rounded plants that
spacing to form a tall, informal Ribes alpinum are excellent for low, informal hedges.
screen or windbreak. Grefsheim Spirea (Spiraea x cinerea
Alpine Currant 'Grefsheim') is another medium sized
Pinus spp. This densely twiggy shrub makes spirea with white flowers in early
Pines an excellent low hedge. It can be spring and good yellow-orange fall
Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) and sheared for a formal look but its tidy color. Japanese Spirea (Spiraea
White Pine (Pinus strobus) both growth habit also makes it suitable japonica) and Bumald Spirea
tolerate shearing well and make for a low-maintenance informal (Spiraea x bumalda) are low-growing
attractive formal hedges. Mugo Pine hedge. Alpine Currant leafs out early shrubs with dense, up-right growth
has a mounded growth habit and dark in the spring and displays small, and many flat clusters of white, pink,
yen needles. White Pine grows bright green leaves throughout the or rosy red flowers during the
,aturally as a single-trunked tree so summer. There are several gold-
it requires regular pruning to keep it leafed cultivars of these species also.
FORMULA FOR BUCKTHORN STUMP TREATING:
For most nark areas:
This formula makes up 2 gallons of mix:
64 oz. (1/2 gallon) Roundup (glyphosate 41% solution)*
191 oz. (1.5 gallons) water
'/s ounce Activator 90 Spreader Sticker
'/s ounce dye or 1 dye tablet
• Roundup is now beyond patent time.Product may have another name besides Roundup such as Razor,
etc. Check under ingredients list to be sure it lists glyphosate 41%
For areas directly adioinine lakes, creeks, and river. It is only when you
are within 10 feet of the shoreline that you must use this mix:
This formula makes up 2 gallons of mix:
64 oz. (1/2 gallon) Rodeo (glyphosate 41% solution)*
191 oz. (1.5 gallons) water
'h ounce Activator 90 Spreader Sticker
'/z ounce dye or 1 dye tablet
• Rodeo is now beyond patent time.Product may have another name besides Roundup such as AquaNeat
etc. Check under ingredients list to be sure it lists glyphosate 41%.
• Note:Rodeo is 34 times as expensive as Roundup, so only use in areas near water bodies.
Syringa spp. Thuja occidentalis Viburnum spp.
Lilacs Arborvitae or White Viburnums
Lilacs are hardy, adaptable Cedar There are a number of different
landscape plants that can readily be Hardy and easy to grow,Arborvitae Viburnum species and cultivars, and
used for informal hedges. Common many of them can be grown as
is an excellent choice for evergreen
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and its many informal hedges. American
hybrid cultivars, often called French hedges. It adapts well to shearing Cranberry-bush Viburnum (Viburnum
Hybrid Lilacs, bear large clusters of and can be pruned to precise shapes trilobum) provides lacey clusters of
sweetly fragrant flowers in a range of for formal hedges. Its soft, feathery white flowers in spring, persistent
colors in the spring. They have large, foliage also looks attractive when left bright red fruit, and orange, red, and
dark green leaves and fairly dense informal. cultivars such as `Techny burgundy fall color. There are several
and `Emerald' (also known as growth, though they can become `Smaragd') have good winter color compact cultivars of this shrub that
leggy with age. The Preston Lilacs are particularly good for hedges.
and can be grown as tall screens. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum
Lslac�(S.t�hyacinthiflora) areniae) and Early and
Compact forms such as `Holmstrup' dentatum) has a rounded, upright
and globe forms like `Hetz Midget'
extremely hardy and include many and `Little Gem' are good choices for form,white flowers followed by blue-
named cultivars with a range of low hedges. black fruits, and the advantage of
flower colors. Chinese Lilac is a being fairly shade tolerant. Wayfaring
particularly good choice for hedges, Tree Viburnum (V. lantana) and the
since its medium sized leaves and related hybrid `Emerald Triumph'
twiggy growth make a dense screen. have dense growth, leathery dark
Miss Kim Lilac and Korean Dwarf green leaves that may develop reddish
Lilac are attractive, medium-height fall color, and colorful clusters of fruit
hedges with attractive rounded leaves that turn from red to black.
and masses of pale lavender spring
flowers.
Taxus spp.
Japanese Yews
In warmer climates yews are used
extensively for hedges. They adapt
very well to heavy pruning and are
often used for formal sheared hedges.
In colder Northern areas, however,
only the hardiest cultivars should be
i
use
d, and they
should be sited
carefully to avoid the foliar damage
that can be caused by exposure to sun
and wind during cold winters. Yews
have handsome dark green needles
and a dense growth habit. `Tauntonii'
is one of the hardiest Yews (Taxus x
media). Japanese Yews (T. cuspidata)
are also fairly hardy; the cultivar
`Capitata' has an upright pyramidal
o�3y k°
form and can be planted closely for an d
attractive informal or formal hedge.
Thuja occidentalis `Techny'(Techny Arborvitae)
c2000 Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association
For more information on Creating and Caring ForYour Environment,contact your local MNLA member...
• For a free Consumer Directory of Plant and Landscape Experts call 651-633-4987.
• Locate An Expert on-line at www.mniandscape.org
,. Euonymus alatus
Winged Euonymus or
Burning Bush
o
s
Noted for its eye-catching cerise-
" red fall color, Winged Euonymus has
other ornamental features as well.
During the growing season this shrub
has clean, medium to dark green
foliage. In winter, its corky stems and
horizontally spreading branches add
architectural definition to the
�.. x
landscape and can be particularly
w interesting in hedge form. The
g
cultivar `Compactus' has more
compact, dense growth but is
somewhat less cold hardy.
Hydrangea spp.
Buxus microphylla koreana (Korean Litfleleaf Boxwood) Hydrangea
Bums microphylla var. koreana with darker red stems. Both species Smooth Hydrangea (H.
Korean Littleleaf also have varieties with yellow stems. arborescens) is a fairly low growing
There are also a number of Dogwood plant that can be grown as a low
Boxwood cultivars that have attractive hedge or border plant. It has large
Boxwood's small evergreen leaves variegated leaves such as European clusters of white flowers in mid to
and dense growth habit have long Variegated and "Ivory Halo." Shrub late summer and has the advantage of
made it a favorite for formal hedges Dogwoods need to have the oldest being quite shade tolerant. The
and topiary where it can be pruned in stems pruned out every few years to cultivar `Annabelle' has especially
very precise shapes. It also makes improve their form and encourage large rounded flower clusters.
very attractive informal low hedges. good stem color, so they are best Another Hydrangea that can be used
The Korean variety of Littleleaf grown as informal hedges for informal hedges is Panicle
Boxwood is the most winter hardy Cotoneaster lucidus Hydrangea (H.paniculata). This is a
and the best choice for northern large shrub that produces many
areas. The cultivar`Wintergreen' is Hedge Cotoneaster upright, cone-shaped panicles of lacy
quite hardy. These plants do best on This shrub's upright, spreading white flowers in late summer. Good
east or north sides of the house and branching pattern and dense cultivar choices include `Tardiva,' `Pee
need protection from winter sun. growth make it a natural for Gee,' `Kyushu,' and `Unique.'
Corpus spp. hedges. It has glossy dark green Juniperus spp.
DO9WOOd leaves and bears small black fruit Juniper
which stay on the plant from late
Several species of shrub Dogwoods summer into the winter. Hedge Several Juniper species can . used
are suitable for hedge use. Red- Cotoneaster tolerates fairly dry for attractive evergreen hedges.
stemmed Dogwood (C. sericea) is soils. � Upright or wide-spreading cultivars of
noted for its bright red winter stems. Chinese Juniper Q. chinensis), Rocky
Tatarian Dogwood (C. alba) is similar, Mountain Juniper J. scopulorum),
and Eastern Red Cedar Q. virginiana)
are the best choices. The foliage in
shades of green to blue-silver adds
winter interest, as do the glaucous
rtlnln � f�e[I(,)es blue berry-like cones produced on
some varieties.
cr rexnaxn dense and#ullx fcar-(3al hedges should be pruned�n a shape
t of allows s ita ighi t€�rea l all Oft e f61iage. `he toy of the hedge,
should be narr+awer.tlaan the bottom. This will prevent upper br77,
anches
tram sladig put 1pwe�r branches,urhich could aiherwse result in.
sparserawth and leggy steins un the.lower part.of the hedge
Control of Buckthorn Garlon 3A is non-restricted use, packaged in 2.5
Buckthorn management is labor intensive and gal. containers. Active ingredient -triclopyr
effective control is difficult without some herbi- 44.4% amine salt.
cide usage. Control strategies can include one or
more of the following: cut stump treatments, Application: Always wear protective eye gear
basal bark treatments, foliar treatments, fire, (serious eye risk). Applied undiluted using a
crown removal and mechanical removal. Best brush or wick applicator or low volume spray. A
management practices have not been developed. blue dye marker in solution will mark treated
stumps.
Cut stump treatments have utilized the follow-
ing herbicide products: Tordon RTU, Garlon, and .Advantages: more cost effective on large acreage,
Roundup. These formulations are typically amine salt formulation stays put,high efficacy,
available only from farm/industrial chemical year round use.
dealerships. The public can purchase all products
listed here without a special license but container Disadvantages: poses health risk (serious eve
size often prohibits their use in smaller applica- injury), must be mixed (water, dye), cost per
tions. gallon and container size makes use impractical
unless acreage is large. Homeowners wishing to
Misuse of pesticides can injure applicator and/ treat a small number of plants can purchase
or damage the environment. Always READ triclopyr as Ortho's "Brush-B-Gon''.
THE LABEL before applying! Know what _
you are doing before using any chemical. Use
proper equipment that is in good working
condition. Wear proper protective gear. Roundup/Rodeo is non-restricted use and comes
packaged in 1 gal. containers. Active ingredient-
!; �� glyphosate (roundup, 41.0%; rodeo, 53.8%).
Tordon RTU is non-restricted use, packaged in 1 Application: Mix 1 to 3 with water, add spreader
gal. containers. Active ingredients - picloram, sticker and dye. Apply to all stump surfaces
5.4%; 2,4-D, 20.9%. above ground with pressure sprayer. Apply when
temperature is above 32 degrees F. Must be
Application: Use brush or wick applicator. Good applied within 24 hours of cutting.
quality brushes hold liquid better, foam brushes
quickly disintegrate. Cover outer cambium laver Advantages: less environmental/user risk.
completely. Application by pressure sprayer may
greatly increase non-target impact. Avoid over Disadvantages: low efficacy reported, must be
application. mixed (water, dye, spreader sticker), moderately
expensive, will not work if applied during bud
Advantages: ready to use (no mixing), relatively break and leaf expansion in spring.
inexpensive per container size, high efficacy, year
round use.
Disadvantages: picloram moves readily in soil, is Crown removal without chemical treatment
highly toxic to non-target plants. is a major temporarily eliminates fruit production; however
groundwater contaminant and persists in the stumps will resprout profusely. If used in con-
environment. junction with fire, several growing seasons may
be required for adequate fuel buildup to sustain a
_ hot burn. Resprouting stumps can also be treated
with foliar sprays in following seasons.
Page
r
If there is currently a fruiting buckthorn hedge on a C. Treat the stumpwith the followling Buckthorn Stump
piece of property,remember that birds will eat the fruits Treatment:
and spread the seeds to other areas.
Woodland
2. Native Plant Community Control In a 3-gallon compression sprayer,add the following:
dative plant communities invaded by buckthorn are often 64 oz. Roundup(41°o solution)
difficult to control once buckthorn Bets established 191 oz. water
because its growth is usually very thick. The thorns of 12 oz. spreader sticker(Activator 90
common buckthorn are another problem when removing or other approved product)
buckthorn. Simply cutting down buckthorn results in 1/2 oz. dve or 1 dve tablet
Vigorous resprouting if no other control measures are (This makes up 2 gallons of total mi:r)
initiated- Wetland
Effective control requires an initial labor intensive action
In a 3-gallon compression sprayer,add the following:
followed by monitoring Physical and chemical control 64 oz Rodeo(.@3.8%Solutions
measures maybe used in reducing the likelihood that 191 oz. water
buckthorn will spread. However.any of these control 1/2 oz. spreader sticker 1(Activator 90
measures alone will not eliminate it. Acombination of or other approved product*)
control measures plus monitoring and replanting is 1/2 oz. dye or 1 dye tablet
essential in the buckthorn battle. (This makes up 2 gallons of total mix)
3. Physical and Chemical Control When treating stumps,be sure to spray both the upper
Large Buckthorn: surface of the cut as well as above any ground bark
Cut buckthorn as close to the around as possible since that remains on the sides of the stump. Stump treatments
buds are located beneath the bark. However, if you can only be applied when temperatures are above 32
use the stump control approach`B"below,it would be degrees F.You must apply the stump treatment as soon
easier to leave several inches of stump above ground. as possible(but no more than 24 hours)after cutting.
When cutting the thorny Common Buckthorn,be sure
to wear protective clothing,leather gloves and safety Caution: This stump treatment will not work if you
cut the buckthorn in early spring when the shrub is
glasses.
beginning to bud out. The stump treatment will work
Following the cutting of buckthorn use one of these onli, after the plant has fulls-leafed out or when it
stump control approaches. is dormant in the winter.
�,. Grind out the remaining stump and upper roots. Following removal oflame buckthorn, smallerbuckthom
will grow where light permits seed to germinate. Also,
B If there are only a few buckthorn,try this: for several years after removal of large buckthorn,the
seed population will begin to thrive, so ground areas
Recvcle a tin can that is several inches in diameter larger may literally be covered with a blanket of buckthorn
than the stump, drilling several nail holes around the seedling'
entire can at two inches below the can opening. Set
the can over the stump. Loosen the soil beneath the Small Buckthorn and Seedlings:
rim so that you can push the can down into the soil at A. If the soil is moist and you have many volunteers,
east an inch. Then nail through the drill holes into the one to two year old plants can be pulled or dug out. Be
remaining stump. Leave in place for two years. If any sure to remove the entire root system in the process.
B. If no other desirable plants are thriving and there is a
green sprouts emerge from beneath the can, remove
These shoots are a signal blanket of seedlings on the ground,try excluding light.
them as soon as they appear. ,
that you probably need a larger diameter can. Cover the seedlings as soon as they leaf out in the spring
Use these Internet addresses for additional information(including pictures)on the soybean aphid.
httv://www.azfic.nsw.gov.au/Hort/ascuiinsects/aglvcin.htm
httT)://www.ag.uiuc.edu/cesl)ubs/l)esvarticles/200020h.htmi
htt)://www.msue.msu.edu/iom/CAT00 field/FC08-17-00.htm#!
http://www.ve eedee.umn.edu/mnveanew/volt/818new.htm
h"://ipcm.wisc.edu wcm/00-22insectl.html
During the next few days we will continue to survey areas of the state that we have not yet reached. In addition the
MDA and the University of Minnesota are asking for anyone finding aphids in soybeans to immediately notify Ken
Ostlie,U of MN Entomologist by phone(612/624-7436),fax(612/625-5299)or email(ostli00I @tc.umn.edu). The
following information should be supplied:
Nwrte and contact information •
• Location of infested field
• Farmer(operator)
• Brief description of the infestation
If possible,collect live specimens on plant material and seal them in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel. Ship them
early in the week v�ith complete collection information(who,when and where)to:
University of Minnesota
1980 Folwell Avenue,Room 219
St.Paul,MN 55108
Attention:Alyson Milles
Make a note if wineed adults are included in the sample,or if possible preserve them in a small bottle or vial in alcohol.
Winged adults will be especially important if found as they are the only stage that can be confirmed as A.glycines.
/� i�
(17
number of robins nesting in Lonicera (Fig. 3b). Woo4i
707
c thrush thrushes. which built roughly half their nests in exotics
0 60 • robin in any given year, experienced apparent competition
\ with robins nesting in Lonicera (also see Schmidt &
Whelan 1998). These results suggest that Lonicera are
50 unfavorable sites for thrush nests due to overlap with
U nesting robins. This interaction is further exacerbated
40 by two circumstances. First, because robins often reach
p large population sizes in highly fragmented landscapes,
—� 30 they are perhaps most likely to overlap in breeding
habi-tat with Wood Thrushes in the very landscapes most sus-
20 ceptible to exotic shrub invasion. Second, as indicated
N above, the early leaf flush of Lonicera may be driving
N the higher overlap with robins.
z 10 LCurrently, our results are specific to a single site and
pair of species; it is unknown to what extent they may
0 generalize across a greater geographic or taxonomic
92 93 94 95 96 97 range. Neither the direct nor indirect effects of exotic
Year plants on nest predation need be restrictive to exotic
species. Furthermore, the relationship between the inva-
sion of exotics and their use by nesting birds is likely de-
0.06 b pendent on the landscape context. These caveats make
COit hard to generalize from our findings without further
Q) data. Nonetheless, we believe that several important
V • conservation issues will benefit from a more thorough
O0.05 understanding of the relationship between exotic plants
J and nest predation. First, our investigation underscores
• the need for accurate measures of fitness and population
0.04 performance when habitat suitability is assessed. For in-
stance, van Horne (1983) emphasized that population
Z • density does not necessarily correlate with habitat qual-
ity. Similarly,we show that the frequency of use of a par-
0.03 • ticular plant species for nest sites does not necessarily
U) correlate positively with nesting success. (e.g., Martin
�- 1998). In our study system, assuming that the higher fre-
• quenc}, with which available plant species were used as
0.02 ' nesting substrates is an indication of higher nesting suc-
0 10 20 30 cess would lead to the erroneous conclusion that exotic
shrubs actual1v benefit native bird species. a management
Robin nests in Lonicera
position that is not ordv controversial (Whelan & Dilger
Figure.3. (a)Percentage of annual nest attempts built 1992, 1995)but, upon inspection,wrong.
in Lonicera for American Robin and Wood Thrusb; (b) Second, exotic shrubs may play an important role in
regression of daily mortality rate of tbrush nests fragmented and edge habitats. There is compelling evi-
placed in Lonicera against the number of robins nest- dence that various songbird species are declining, at
ing in Lonicera least in some portions of their range (Askins et al. 1990;
Tames et al. 1996). Although mechanisms underlying
these declines are controversial (Rappoie & McDonald
tions,such as higher predator activity early in the season 1994; Latta & Baltz 1997), nest predation is a leading
(Schmidt 1999), may provide alternative explanations candidate (e.g., Robinson et al. 1995)• Habitat distur-
for our results. We recommend experimental tests to bance and fragmentation exacerbate both nest preda-
fully explore these possible interactions. tion (Robinson et al. 1995) and exotic plant invasion
Second,predation among nesting Wood Thrushes was (Hobbs & Huenneke 1992; Hutchinson &Vankat 1997),
higher in Lonicera than the pooled native species, but and we suggest that these phenomena are partly inter-
not compared with Viburnum, a species of compara- -;wined. Insofar as exotic shrubs are associated with hab-
ble height and stature. Furthermore, predation among itat fragmentation and edges, higher predation rates in
thrushes nesting in Lonicera was influenced by the exotic shrubs, such as we have documented, may be
Conservation,Biologq
volume 13.No.6,December 1999
(e.g..Robinson et al. 1995), but to the best of our know!- nearest 15 cm for nests :53 m above the ground and%o
cage these two processes have never been causalh, the nearest 0.5 n-, for rugher nests. We pooled data
Linked. If nest predation is higher in exotic species. this across years but anaivzed DMRs of robins and thrushes
ma'- provide one potential mechanism for the popuia- separately with the program CONTRAST(Hines&Sauer
tion declines seen in some songbird species occupying 1989). Nests placed in dead trees or shrubs,Rosa muli
this region. For instance, both Mills et al. (1989) and flora, and Celastrus spp..were excluded from the analy�
Germaine et al. (1998) found that native bird species di- ses due to loan sample sizes.
versin- and density were positively correlated with the
volume of native vegetation but were negatively corre-
lated or uncorrelated with the voiurne of exotic vegeta- Results
tion. The link between invasion of exotic shrubs and
population declines, if it exists, will take much research We performed pairwise comparisons of daily nest mortal-
to uncover. We examined the connection between ex- in•rate (DMR)between nests built in Lonicera versus na-
otic species and nest predation rates. tive species (including Crataegus and Viburnum as well '
We document nest predation on two songbird spe- as native tree species, such as Acer, Ostrya, and Prunus) '
Gies, American Robins (Turdus migratorius) and Wood and built in Rhamnus Versus native species. Nests built
Thrushes (Hvlocichla mustelina). over 6 years in an ur- in Lonicera had significantly higher DMRs than nests in
ban reserve outside of Chicago. Both Lonicera and natives for both robins (X2 = 12.31, df = 1,p < 0.001;
Rhamnus (predominantINI R. cathartica) are abundant Fig. 1) and thrushes (X` = 4.0, df = 1,p < 0.05;Fig. 1), #
at the site where they have replaced native species of whereas nests built in Rhamnus did not have higher
Viburnum and Crataegus. Rhamnus lack the sharp DMRs than natives for either species (p> 0.25;Fig. 1).
thorns that characterize Crataegus, whereas Lonicera As a potential explanation for these results, we tested
has sturdy branches and reduced basal cover relative to for an effect of nest height in robins (thrushes showed
Viburnum (K.A.S., personal observations). We hypothe- too little variability in nest height for an analysis) with
size that these features may increase nest predation di- regression analysis. Daily mortality rate, calculated from
redly through predator facilitation. Furthermore, early a minimum of five nest attempts per height category,
leaf flush and expansion in Lonicera maackii (Trisel & was inversely related to nest height (r2 = 0.496,p =
Gorchov 1994) may make them a focus for nest build- 0.001; Fig. 2). Moreover, the proportion (aresin-square-
ing. Concentrating nest densities by nesting in a re- root-transformed) of depredated nests(minimum of four
stricted subset of plant types available may in turn at- depred.arion_ pzr "eight category) ascribed to large
tract generalist predators to these aggregations of nests
(Martin & Roper 1988; Schmidt &Whelan 1998).
0.07 72 o thrush
T ■ robin
Methods (D 0.06 ,a
From 1992 to 1997, we studied the nesting success of 0.05
American Robins and Wood Thrushes in the approsi-
�oz T53
mately 200 ha of deciduous woodlands at The :'Morton0.04Arboretum 05 km west of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.) and ,o
the abutting 150-ha Hidden Lake Forest Preserve(for site p 21140
0.03 T
description see Schmidt and Whelan [19981). We lo- E 24
cated and monitored nests throughout the breeding sea- >.,
son by visual inspection every 2-5 days. We classified 0.02
successful nests as those that fledged at least one host 0
young, determined by inspection of the nest and sur- 0.01
roundings and by the timing of the disappearance of
nestlings. Unsuccessful nests often failed due to preda-
tion (>95,"0). We ascribed predation to large mammals U5 ea `�e2 �J5
(e.g., raccoons) when nests were physically and vio-
Gta�ae9 �o
lently disturbed (e.g., tipped over or knocked out of a
tree) or when tracks, fur, scratch marks on bark, and Plant species
broken branches or stems were conspicuous. We calcu-
lated the daily nest mortality rate using Mayfield's (1975) Figure 1. Nest daily mortality rate (DMR t 1 SE) by
method. "X'e also recorded the nest shrub or tree species nest substrate for_American Robin and Wood Thrush.
for all nests and visually estimated nest height to the Sample sires are given above bars.
Conscrvvion Biology
Voiume 13,No.6,December 1999
Since 1969, a different buckthorn has been planted in the midwest. It is called Tallhedge
or Columnar Buckthorn.(Rhamnus frangula 'Columnaris'). Now that it has been planted
for thirty years, we are seeing its effect on wetland communities. This species of
buckthorn prefers moist soils and has found them with the help of songbirds. Also, in
recent years, a finer-to=ured selection called Fernleaf Buckthorn(Rhamnus frangula
'Asplenifolia') has been available at nurseries. Later this year, a new addition to our state's
Noxious Weed Law will place these buckthorns on the"Restricted Noxious Weed List"
and by 2001 you will no longer be able to purchase and plant these shrubs in the state of
Minnesota.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff are asking for your help. We are working
with many neighborhoods in the city to remove buckthorn in the woods and wetlands.
Why? If we don't remove it now, our children and grandchildren will not have the
opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of woodlands and wetlands. Why? The
buckthorns suppress the native plants, so that replacement native trees and shrubs are not
developing in these areas. When a severe windstorm or other disaster destroys the mature
trees in these areas, all that will remain is buckthorn thickets. It is not only the issue of
buckthorns destroying native plant communities, it is also a park safety/visibility issue.
Buckthorn thickets are so dense that many park users do not feel comfortable walking in
areas infested with these shrubs.
How can you help? Please remove buckthorn from your property. Until buckthorn is
removed from all residential and commercial properties, we will continue to have a fruit '
source for constant reinfestation of park lands by the songbirds. If you want information
on how to effectively remove buckthorn, how to prevent the stumps from resprouting and
how long you will need to monitor your yard for buckthorn seedlings, we can help. Send
us a stamped, self-addressed envelope at: MPRB-Buckthorn Info, 3800 Bryant Avenue
South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409. We will forward you information on how you can
help us in this alien battle. Thank you in advance for your support in helping to make
Minneapolis a buckthorn-free community.
If you live outside Minneapolis, call the Seed and Noxious Weed Unit at the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture at 651-296-6123, 296-1234, or 296-8309 and they will
forward you the information on buckthorn control.
May 1999
qb
UNDERSTORY itirh BUCKTHORN
Dominant ST>ecies =
BUCKTHORN
licrries li>r girds = one choice
(bitter, cath u•tic)
•
k at our options if you have to wait a few ears before replanting:
So, look y p Y
• Maybe you like the look of the open space after you remove the buckthorn hedge.
• Maybe you prefer the hedge be placed elsewhere in the yard. Many old hedges are planted
too close to sidewalks and driveways. They obstruct vision and the full use of sidewalks.
Be sure you know the ultimate height and width of the hedge you will be planting and plan its
installation distances appropriately.
• Waiting three years before replanting in the same area will benefit the future hedge by
providing time for the old roots to decay. in the meantime,you could just seed it to lawn
grasses. Grass is the one plant I could get to grow immediately after the stumps were
removed.
• During that three year time period you can have the opportunity to examine the many hedge
possiblities for replacement. I would highly recommend a tour of the hedge collection at the
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Look in the community where you live and
talk with homeowners if you see a hedge to your liking. The Minnesota Nursery and
Landscape Association is currently working on a brochure about hedges that they hope to
release in the year 2000.
• In 2003 a great new woody hedge plant will be available in our area-
Amelanchier`Rainbow Pillar' is a tight, fine-textured columnar hedge plant with flowers in
early spring, edible fruits in the summer and a gorgeous coppery-red, fall foliage color.
You may want to wait for this shrub before planting a replacement hedge.
The ultimate decision is up to you. Just be aware that removing buckthorn from your property is just
the first step. Fruits will remain that will sprout over the following 2-3 years. Unfortunately, until
songbirds refrain from eating buckthorn fruits there will always be buckthorn "dropping in"your
landscape.
MML: 1999
r
Volunteers are a necessary part of a site follow up as you will have thousands of seedlings to control on the -
ground during the first few years following mature buckthorn removal. These seedlings must be pulled or
treated in some way, otherwise the buckthorn will return. Seedlings are easily pulled by hand in the first
year of growth provided the soil is moist. This would be an ideal project for school, scout and other groups
including STS.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
Choosing Sites: Ideally you would schedule public and private property buckthorn removals in the same
area or neighborhood so as to get a better chance for control.
Slope issues- On severe slopes, it is important to consider how the buckthorn is removed. You may want to
begin with a matricide practice, removing the female fruiting plants first. Then remove the remaining
buckthorn in layers, replanting at the same time to stabilize the slope. Under no conditions should you
consider uprooting large buckthorn on a slope as you are setting yourself up for major erosion problems.
PARKING/TRAFFIC ISSUES:
Depending on where you are working on public lands, you may need to close access to a street during the
roundup. Check with your public works department about procedures to apply for a street closing. Permits
are usually required and time lines are in place. On busy streets that cannot be closed, you will need police
protection directing traffic.
`PERMISSION TO WORK ON PUBLIC LANDS
You need to contact and obtain any permits and permission required to remove buckthorn on public
property. If the p1,,,,N!-,"; ncy has staff and budget, the agency will often assist- i.e. DOT, Public Works,
Park Department/Board. However, most public agencies prohibit volunteers from using power equipment
for liability reasons. It may also take a number of public meetings, petitions, etc. to get the process funded
and started.
*Schedule for Pickup/Chipping
Several days before the planned pickup event, work out a detailed map of your neighborhood so that the
tree service has an easy flow chart. If you have businesses with parking restrictions, schedule the business
area first for pickup. If you have other community facilities, check with them 24 hours before the chipping
event to see if there are any times you should avoid chipping near their property. We encountered a funeral
at a church across from one pickup site, so we changed the pickup schedule at the last minute. That way
we did not cause a noise disturbance during the funeral service. The day before the pickup, drive this route
to see if there are any conflicts or additional sites to add.
Wood Chip Disposal
We identified one site in our neighborhood for this cleanup where we could store and use the chips. At this
point I recommend the chips only be used for trail and related purposes. I don't recommend them for
general landscape mulching, even though they are a hardwood chip and will last longer. I'm hoping to get
some research scheduled to study if indeed the seeds will sprout from these chips. If you don't have a chip
disposal site in your neighborhood, you should not plan on getting 50 properties done each day. You will
have to plan travel time for the tree service to haul and dump full truckloads of chips.. During our roundup,
we produced 100 cubic yards of buckthorn chips- a full 4 truckloads that were dumped and used for trails
within our neighborhood community gardens.
,stump Treatments/Follow Up
You must make sure that you not only cut down the buckthorn, but also kill it either mechanically or
chemically. For chemical treatments, it is critical that the stumps be treated once they are cut, ideally the
same day, but often you can still effectively treat within 24-48 hours of cutting if temperatures are above
freezing. Check the MDA sheet about treatment options. Our neighborhood offered a special service. If
participants cut down their buckthorn in a specific 24 hour time period on one weekend and they requested
stump assistance, their stumps were treated. One volunteer who is a certified pesticide applicator
volunteered her time to visit these properties and treat their stumps with glyphosate (Roundup.)
There are 3-4 mechanical methods for killing buckthorn. You can physically dig it or pull it up(works on
smaller size materials). However,you then have prepared a nice seed bed for next season. See the
attached sheet provided to residents of St. Anthony Park for their first private property roundup on how to
kill the stumps/roots.
MW
nei hborhood. Attached is a sample Participation
a er is delivered to every property in the 9
neighborhood gaper
fpthe ad- for chopp►ng em down.
form and copy The first Saturday was a day ers went to
o days for this first roundup with safety glasses and schlepp
We actually crew w scheduled chain
in saw operators that were equipped
w community gardens to cut,treat and stack the buckthorn,
A volunteer crew and our
ten sites (mostly elderly hb homeowners)
actual pickup-
This occurred one wee � re to read,follow directions and datet That date was
people's fa►lu a Spec ified
One p Parking" signs for the streets
a schedule.
participation form and mail it in bylocking the tree
problem we had to at
f II out the p der the necessary
We required to give
h time to process and or
to ive us enough necessary so that vehicles wouldn the required date we had
chosen so as 9
in front of these properties.These signs were of the buckthorn chip e►ople s saying 1 just heard about
service' access to yards with buckthorn en the phone calls started with p P buckthorn down and now I've
Then the P I've already cut my for us.
47 homeowners who had signed rgot to mail in the form., had to arrange for a future
e a art of it., the pickup,75 homeowners had buckthorn waiting
this,can I still b P By the morning of p
most of the sites. Plus we I ran out of time and light
heard that I have to sign ups it took 12 hours to chip tofthe
site as we simp y
Instead of $hours
cant quantity of buckthorn at our community garden
pickup of a largeq
for chipping- budgeted.We did not think
ro erry owners. A letter was
the roject cost slightly more than 0 0 and we had 75 property depending on the
The end result was that p neighborhood-We needed$90 r d",of the t
problem in our neig a homes. It requested a donation ec o�ds on co►PnP
that was a p pickup. (We had I homeowners •
quickly drafted and hand-delivered to these put out for p P� her costs.The home0
mount of buckthorn that the resident had ame in quickly to cover these t their homes.We picked
amount at each site.)The money icked up
Pickup quite a bargain to have the buckthorn p
considered the event Qrom 75 Properties at a total cost of$1700.00: t how many want to
up/chipped buckthorn
Your neighborhood about
Talk to homeowners in y Then contact the tree
you can't get grant money-) ed at each residence.
What'rf y ow much buckthorn would be chipe1 hburs based on the amount club hasrn they
participate. Find out h lit the cost between then 9 g garden
to
service,get an estimate and split Popular community event that our nei,b0 mate that 4%of he p iva%e in
s This was such a Pop
have remoVed• ears for a fail buckthorn roundup o of the private
is ear and we guesstimate that our neigh
CID funds for the next 10 anticipated this Y et the buckthorn o
ears to g owners. Nevertheless,when one
properties in our neighborhood p basis by property consider clearing their
our neighborhood have buck hoa strictlylvo voluntary a owners to
Remember that this is done on
acent property
Propel
is cleared of buckthorn, it often stimulates adj
buckthorn. es for the next roundup this fall.
The three can take turns driving the truck
Wha
t did we learn from this event? We Will make changes
uest three people from the tree service, ou need a rest from it.
➢We will budget and req exhausting
The chipping Process is physically e It is still a bargain as
and chipping Probably in the$15-30.00 rang
cified site.The charge s he '
e for each propel our roundup
➢There will be a small charge
the homeowner to haul
moret The wey
rhood cleanup se, u
most neighbo is at least the amount we propose,
neighborhood cleanup
ropertY owner only has to haul it to their front yard
the P
Further check with the newspapers and tv stations for a news staff member who is regularly
assigned to environmental issues. Arrange a meeting with them to let them know what you are
doing. Regularly update them on your efforts.
.-Publish before and after pictures of parklands that have been cleared of buckthorn and other
woody invasives. Point out how park users feel more comfortable walking trails in these parks now
that the buckthorn has been removed.
w-Check with your city about including an insert regarding buckthorn in utility bill mailings. In many
communities the only cost to you is the printing, not the stuffing cost. However, if you don't have
the printing funds either, work with your city council to see if they will approve the text and arrange
for it to be printed and added to the bill mailing.
*Visibifl
There are many ways to make residents more aware of this pest:
wr In Rochester, the Master Gardeners have designed, made and distributed"Buckthorn Buster' buttons
and T-shirts to raise awareness. They have also produced"Buckthorn Removal In Progress" signs
to use in project areas.To find out about ordering these materials,contact Doug Courneya at
«�-Think about creating the equivalent of"Burma Shave" Buckthorn signs along the road in areas infested
with buckthorn to create awareness. Examples:
v '
�If your Landscape is Forlorn, Maybe you have Buckthorn?
Buckthorn Is Bad for Our Oaks
>.Birds Against Buckthorn!!!
Buckthorn is Bad for Soybean Farmers
Are you Safe Walking in Buckthorn-infested Woods?
w-When working on a project site, have a sign along the road that reads along the lines of:
" Buckthorn Removal in Progress"
.-On one project in Minneapolis, a neighbor painted a pink'Y'on all the buckthorn one week prior to our
removal operation. A number of neighbors called in wanting to know what was wrong with these
trees/shrubs and why they were to be removed. Educate at every opportunity.
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS
Let others know about your efforts! Solicit assistance by talking with garden clubs, Rotary, Masons, Lions,
religious, school and other service groups. Donations may follow from these groups or they may be looking
for a volunteer project for that year.
Advertise in your newspaper for volunteers and/or contact your United Way indicating that you are looking
for volunteers. United Way operates a volunteer listing.