2008-12-03 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Controlling large buckthorn Buckthorn plants that are two inches in diameter or larger, are best controlled by cutting the stem at the soil surface and then cover or treat the stump to prevent re-sprouting. This can be effectively done with hand tools (for a few plants), chain saws or brush cutters. If only cutting a few stumps they can be covered with a tin can or black plastic to prevent re-sprouting. Otherwise, stumps should be treated immediately after cutting (within 2 hours) with a herbicide containing Triclopyr (such as Ortho Brush-B-Gon or Garlon 3A or 4) or Glyphosate (Roundup) to prevent re-sprouting. The best time to cut and chemically treat the stumps is in late summer and throughout the fall. Herbicides can be applied to cut stumps with a paint-brush, wick applicator IEXT( or a low volume sprayer. When using water-soluble herbicide products like Ortho Brush-B- Gon, Garlon 3A, or any of the Glyphosate products, treat only the cut surface. When using oil-based products like Garlon 4, treat the cut surface and the remaining bark to the ground line. In cases where more than a few plants are treated, add an indicator dye (available where pesticides are sold) to the herbicide to mark cut stumps you have sprayed. Colored flags can also help mark cut stumps. When buckthorn is cut, the stumps are easily covered and lost under cut brush. For basal stem treatment, a method that applies chemical through the bark, low volume spray applications can be made with Garlon 4 and similar oil-based products. This application method uses Triclopyr ester mixed with an oil diluent ( i.e. Bark Oil Blue, kerosene or diesel oil) applied directly to the bark of buckthorn from the root collar up about 12-18 inches. This treatment works best on stems less than 2-3 inches in diameter. An ultra low volume spray wand should be used to minimize herbicide use and reduce the potential for non-target injury. Buckthorn treated in this fashion can be left standing or cut at a later date. Note: Buckthorn seeds in the soil can remain viable for up to five years. Follow-up control of seedlings that emerge after initial control efforts is important on all sites. With no follow-up control, buckthorn will come back. Fire offers a long-term management option in grassland or savanna cover-types. Burning will need to be done every two to three years. If burning is not an option, a follow up treatment of the seedlings (pulling or spraying) is needed. After buckthorn control, many sites may require replanting of desirable tree, shrub, and herbaceous species. A resource that may help you to find the right plants for your location is a multimedia CD program called Restore Your Shore.