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Invasive buckthorn and Chinese elm #913868

Asked August 13, 2025, 11:38 AM EDT

I have numerous saplings sprouting in my yard in the root beds of trees. These are: a cherry tree, a maple tree, an ash tree and a pear tree. How can get rid of these without harming the tree?

Sherburne County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
Pull out what you can; clip off the rest, if they do not get energy from leaves, they will die.
Be very careful not to cut or nick the bark on the desired trees.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  A Directory of ISA certified arborists is at https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum  Ask a Master Gardener is a public service of the University of MInnesota's Extension Division.  Please donate if we make you happy.  https://give.umn.edu/gardener Replied August 13, 2025, 12:19 PM EDT

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