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Invasives control on steep hillside #869491

Asked May 21, 2024, 3:31 PM EDT

Hello, I have a partially wooded hillside yard near Lebanon Hills in Dakota county that I have been clearing of buckthorn over the past two years. Unfortunately, I've seen garlic mustard, daylilies, and a few other aggressive species pop up into this newly cleared area. Because the hill is fairly steep I've been cutting the buckthorns down then going back in several times a week to cut back new growth - I was initially concerned about unnecessary herbicide use... but I see why they're often recommended for buckthorn. What is the recommended means of clearing out this growth while limiting erosion?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Glyphosate (Roundup) painted on fresh cuts is helpful at controlling buckthorn.  Sadly, buckthorn scoffs at organic treatments.  Here are a couple of links:
https://northerngardener.org/natural-buckthorn-control/
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/control.html

As for what to do with a steep hillside after the buckthorn is gone, you have a difficult task. Here are some good references:https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/ground-covers-gardens https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/gardens/native_plant/nativelandscaping.pdf
https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstreams/df6555d7-465f-4a2b-be15-8451a804557b/download
Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 23, 2024, 1:05 PM EDT

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