Buckthorn Program

Why Is Buckthorn a Concern?

Buckthorn is an invasive tree that has degraded many local woodlands. As plant diversity declines, these areas are less resilient and less able to support wildlife. 

Buckthorn Workshop

Learn how to Effectively Remove Buckthorn  
Tuesday September 30, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
Wakefield Park Community Building (1860 Hazelwood Street) 

In this free hand-on class, DNR forestry experts teach how to identify and remove buckthorn. Since buckthorn retains its leaves longer than most native lookalikes, fall is the best time for spotting and removal. Please dress for the conditions. 

Register for the Buckthorn Workshop

Contact Katelyn Bergstrom (651) 249-2416 or katelyn.bergstrom@maplewoodmn.gov.

Annual Free Buckthorn Pickup Day

Maplewood residents who remove enough buckthorn to fill a pick-up truck from their properties will qualify for free curbside pick-up in the fall (no other trees or shrubs will be picked up). If you do not have enough buckthorn to qualify, recruit your neighbors and we will include your block.

Free Buckthorn Pickup Monday October 27, 2025. 
Register by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 21st    
Email katelyn.bergstrom@maplewoodmn.gov or call (651) 249-2416  
No late pickups; only buckthorn will be picked up 

Register for the Buckthorn Pickup

Goats/Sheep for Buckthorn Management

Goats or sheep may be temporarily kept on Maplewood properties for invasive plant management.  A Temporary Goat/Sheep Permit is required. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that goats do not escape, harm other properties or become traffic or other hazards. 

Repeated grazing is necessary to rid your property of buckthorn and follow-up removal of plants that are too large for goats to eat will be necessary. Goats will also eat beneficial native plants, so we recommend hiring a goat herd in late fall to late winter to improve the plant community. Goat-Permit-Application (maplewoodmn.gov).

Buckthorn Drop-Off Sites & Other Disposal Options

Residents may bring buckthorn to a Ramsey County Compost sites that accept brush (see link below). Check for requirements and times prior to your visit.

Documents & Links