Thursday, September 29, 2016

City to Focus on Buckthorn Removal During October

Edina, Minn., Sept. 29, 2016 – The City of Edina will focus on buckthorn removal throughout the month of October.

A non-native, invasive shrub originating in northern Eurasia, buckthorn has been distributed by nurseries in this country since at least the nineteenth century. For many years, buckthorn was used as a hedge plant, most often in residential lots. However, due to its extreme invasiveness, all species of buckthorn have been banned from sales and been placed on the Minnesota State Restricted Noxious Weed List. Although sales are prohibited, removal is not mandatory.

In addition to displacing other more desirable plants, buckthorn reduces beneficial and healthy biodiversity of flora and fauna, adds stress to trees through over-competition for nutrients, light and water, and grows in such thorny thickets that make passage difficult.

“The fall is the best time to cut and spray buckthorn,” said City Forester Luther Overholt, explaining why the City is organizing efforts for residents to easily help rid Edina ecosystems of this invasive species.

Community members are encouraged to remove buckthorn from their own properties as well as volunteer to help with clean-up efforts at Edina parks.

“Buckthorn removal is an excellent group volunteer opportunity that allows neighbors and community members to get to know each other through service,” said Volunteer Coordinator MJ Lamon. “Volunteers can socialize and improve our environment at the same time!”

The City has also organized four “dump days” for residents to drop off buckthorn: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 22 and 29 and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays Oct. 23 and 30 across from the Braemar Golf Dome, 7420 Braemar Blvd.

For more information on buckthorn removal, visit EdinaMN.gov/buckthorn-removal. To volunteer with removal efforts, contact Lamon at 952-826-0360 or MLamon@EdinaMN.gov

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The City of Edina
4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424
mail@EdinaMN.gov 952-927-8861

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