Buckthorn Management

Buckthorn is an invasive, non-native plant species that threatens Minnesota's natural resources. It spreads very quickly and out-competes native plants for nutrients, light and moisture. It can also degrade wildlife habitat, serve as a host for pests and contribute to erosion, among other things.

As a non-native plant, buckthorn interferes with natural ecosystems.

Residential Buckthorn Removal

The 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. 

Small seedlings can be removed by hand or by using a hoe. For larger shrubs up to 2.5 inches in diameter, a weed wrench is available for use through the city. Call 651-730-2740 to reserve. 

Disposal

Residents may drop off their buckthorn for free at Oakdale Public Works, 1900 Hadley Avenue N. Hours: 7 AM-3:30 PM.

Annual Buckthorn Curbside Collection Program

Every fall the City of Oakdale offers a complimentary buckthorn curbside collection program for residents. To participate in the program, residents must remove and prepare the buckthorn as outlined in the following guidelines, and complete a curbside collection waiver. 2020 Curbside collection dates are:

  • September 22, 2020
  • October 6, 2020
  • October 20, 2020
  • October 27, 2020

Citywide Buckthorn Curbside Pickup Guidelines

  • The pickup will be restricted to buckthorn only.
  • Piles should be no larger than 3.5 feet high, 3.5 feet wide, and up to 20 feet in length
  • Please stack piles with the cut ends aligned and to the curb.
  • Piles must be accessible by a log loader truck and must be off of paved driveways.
  • City Forester has the right to inspect and reject piles that don’t comply with the guidelines.
  • Complete a collection waiver. Waivers must be filled out and received by the Friday before the scheduled collection date for pickup.