HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept. 29 - Buckthorn Removal Month
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Lauryn Grimes, Communications Assistant
Phone 952-826-0396 lgrimes@EdinaMN.gov EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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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