Halloween may be over, but a monster lurks and lingers in our midst.

Rows of trees display autumn colors, with leaves ranging from green to vibrant orange and red. The sky is cloudy, creating a soft, diffused light over the colorful scene.

Our beloved prairies and woodlands are under attack. Highly invasive, non-native trees have decimated native perennials, grasses, groundcover and even trees. Sadly, the issue isn’t simply relegated to our national or state parks, but can be seen in our own yards and local woods.

 

Buckthorns pose the biggest threat and are especially insidious and crafty. They don’t simply out compete our native Oaks and Hickories, but instead, they interrupt the trees’ reproduction cycle. Further still, they are one of the first trees to leaf out in Spring, shading and killing any spring-flowering blooms. Oaks, on the other hand, don’t leaf out until May, giving spring wildflowers the chance to bloom and seed.

 

Buckthorn leaf litter is particularly sinister. Studies have shown that their leaves have an allelopathic affect on our native plants. Basically, the Buckthorn’s leaves contain a chemical that reduces the germination of native species, so often you’ll see nothing but bare soil under these invasives, and before you know it, Buckthorns have completely taken over.

Several intertwined tree branches with rough, textured bark and small green leaves fill the frame, creating a dense and tangled natural scene.

Wildlife, particularly deer and birds, have no use for Buckthorns. The tree is generally unpalatable to most animals, and because nothing typically grows beneath them, they are all but useless.

Green leaves with serrated edges grow alternately along a thin stem; some leaves have small brown spots. The background shows brownish soil and scattered dry leaves.

So, what can you do? First, you must identify them, and Fall offers the perfect opportunity as their foliage remains green longer than other deciduous trees. Generally, we see two species of Buckthorn – Glossy and Common. Glossy Buckthorns tend to prefer wetter areas while Common Buckthorn grows just about everywhere else. The Morton Arboretum describes Buckthorns as, “Large shrub or tall tree with glossy, oval leaves that can be easily recognized in fall, when it remains green…” Detailed, identification tips and pictures here.

Overgrown backyard with tall weeds, dense greenery covering a fence, a dead tree, white fence, and a shed. The grass appears unkempt.

Buckthorns must be killed/removed, and it’s a bit of an arduous task. I speak from personal experience as our own yard contained a few, but it’s well worth it. Removal is the most effective method, which requires some effort, but herbicides can also be applied. Buckthorns can be cut at ground level while herbicides are applied to kill the root system.

A landscaping company truck and trailer, labeled Sweeneys Custom Landscaping, Inc., are parked on a suburban street in front of brick houses and leafless trees on a sunny day.

Reach out to Sweeney’s today, and we’ll tackle this monster together. The Buckthorn problem affects us all, and the future of our native plants and trees. It’s important that we unite to combat them in order to restore our native prairies and woodlands.  A perfect project for Fall/Winter.

Plant of the Week

Two pink wild rose flowers with yellow centers bloom among green leaves, with one flower slightly faded in the background.

Illinois Rose

Spreading/climbing native shrub produces, rosy-pink blooms in early Summer amongst green foliage that matures to a deep reddish-purple in Fall.  Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 6-8′ tall and 8-12′ wide.  Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

Whisper sweetly your secrets upon the breeze as you sway to and fro.
A generation awaits your seeds in the soil that you sow.
Oceans of grasses and native blooms grace these middle lands.
Here rises the fertile prairie amongst the Oak and Hickory stands.
-Kim Sweeney (an original poem)

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney