Invasive Plant Removal in Madison, WI

Yes, but it takes more follow-up. Small plants can be pulled by hand when soil is moist, and larger stems up to a few inches across can be removed with a weed wrench that pulls out the root. Cutting buckthorn and leaving the stump is the trap: it resprouts vigorously from the stump unless the stump is treated. Non-chemical options for cut stumps include covering them with a heavy black bag or can for a year or more to starve the resprouts, or repeatedly cutting the new growth. Either way, expect seedlings from the seed bank for several years. Common and glossy buckthorn are restricted invasive species in Wisconsin under the DNR's NR 40 rule, so removal on your own land is encouraged.

Late fall is the easiest time. Buckthorn keeps its green leaves into November after most native shrubs and trees have dropped theirs, so it stands out and is easy to find. Fall and winter are also when cut-stump treatments work well, since the plant is moving energy down to its roots, and frozen ground means less damage to the soil and to spring wildflowers. Avoid disturbing soil heavily in spring when native plants are emerging. Whatever the season, plan follow-up visits the next year for resprouts and seedlings.