Buckthorn

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has declared common buckthorn and glossy buckthorn as restricted noxious weeds. This means that the sale, transport, or movement of these plants is prohibited statewide. If you have buckthorn on your property, you are encouraged to remove it.

Residential Buckthorn Removal

Buckthorn Removal ToolThe city encourages residents to remove buckthorn from their yards. By leaving it in your yard, particularly the female, berry-producing plants, there is a greater chance of it spreading through your neighborhood.

Buckthorn Wrench

The City has three buckthorn removal tools (image) for residents to borrow to help remove buckthorn on your property. The tool is easy to use and removes small buckthorn trees and their roots. The tools are available for residents to use on their private property for a two-day rental period. 

To rent the tool, residents must:

  • Complete and submit the Buckthorn Wrench Rental Form (PDF)
  • Pay a $20 replacement/damage deposit. Check or cash accepted at City Hall.
  • Pick up and return the tool at Shorewood City Hall, 5755 Country Club Road

Disposing of Cut Buckthorn

In Shorewood, you can dispose of removed buckthorn by contacting your trash hauler for a brush pickup (additional fee may apply), or by taking it to a yard waste site that accepts buckthorn.

Resources

Visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, for more information on buckthorn control or help identifying the plant visit.