Removing invasive tree species from Minnesota properties requires planning, seasonal timing, the right tools, and a commitment to follow-up. This guide gives clear, practical steps for homeowners, land managers, and volunteers to identify, remove, and restore sites invaded by species such as common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, Siberian elm, Norway maple, and autumn olive. The emphasis is on safe, effective, and legal methods that protect native vegetation and water resources.
Invasive woody plants change forest structure, reduce biodiversity, and alter soil and hydrology. In Minnesota, the most problematic woody invaders include common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Siberian elm, autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), and aggressive cultivars of Norway maple. These species form dense thickets, shade out native seedlings, and produce abundant seed that spreads by birds and mammals.
Recognizing the species you have is the first step. Key identification tips:
Common buckthorn – dark berries in fall, thorny older branches, leaves with distinct veins and small dark buds at tips.
Glossy buckthorn – similar to common buckthorn but without the terminal bud; leaves are glossy and margins slightly toothed.
Siberian elm – rough, narrow serrated leaves; often multi-stemmed; brittle branches and rough bark.
Autumn olive – silvery underside of leaves, fragrant flowers in spring, and red to silver berries in fall.
Norway maple – large palmate leaves similar to native sugar maple; invasive cultivars produce dense shade and prolific seedlings.
If you are uncertain about identification, document leaves, bark, and fruit with photos and consult a local extension agent or natural resource professional before proceeding.
Before removal, check local ordinances, homeowner association rules, and state regulations. Minnesota has local conservation programs and may have guidance on handling invasive species near public waters, wetlands, and protected habitats. Treating vegetation in or adjacent to water often requires a licensed pesticide applicator and use of products labeled for aquatic or riparian use.
Always follow pesticide label requirements. Labels are the law and provide required safety, mixing, application, and disposal instructions.
Removing medium and large trees or working on steep slopes or near power lines is hazardous. Consider hiring licensed tree contractors for felling large trees. Use licensed pesticide applicators for treatments near water, or where concentrated herbicide application is needed.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for DIY work typically includes gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, sturdy boots, and hearing protection when using chainsaws. When applying herbicides, add chemical-resistant gloves and follow label PPE.
Before starting, assemble tools and supplies. Typical items include:
The following numbered sequence is a practical, integrated approach that combines mechanical and chemical methods where appropriate. Adjust the sequence for site specifics, species, and seasonal windows.
Survey the property and mark dense infestations, single mature seed sources, and vulnerable native communities. Prioritize removing plants that are seeding into high-value areas, along trails, or near native trees.
Late summer through fall is often the best time for herbicide treatments because plants are translocating sugars to roots, improving systemic herbicide uptake. Mechanical removal of small seedlings can be done nearly any time with minimal soil disturbance, while large tree cutting is typically done in drier months for ground access.
Hand-pull small seedlings, use a weed wrench for saplings up to 2-3 inches diameter, and cut larger stems low to the ground. Bag or burn (if local regulations permit) fruit and seed material to prevent spread. Minimize soil disturbance to avoid exposing the seed bank.
For shrubs and small trees you cut, apply a systemic herbicide to the freshly cut stump surface or cambium within minutes to hours. For regrowth, foliar sprays during active growth can be effective. Always follow the herbicide label and consider using triclopyr or glyphosate formulations labeled for woody plant control. For treatments near water, use products approved for use in those areas and consider hiring a licensed applicator.
For trees that pose risk or are too large for safe DIY removal, hire an insured tree service. If you cut large invasive trees yourself, consider stump grinding or treating the stump to prevent suckering. Remove crowns and branches carefully to avoid spreading seeds.
Transport seeds and fruit to a landfill if required, or burn where permitted. Clean tools, footwear, and machinery after leaving infestation areas to prevent seed transport to other sites.
After removal, replant with native trees and shrubs suited to your site – oak, maple, basswood, bur oak, hawthorn, serviceberry, and native shrubs. Establishing desirable canopy and understory species reduces reinvasion.
Monitor the site regularly for at least 3 to 5 years. Expect resprouting and new seedlings from the seed bank. Schedule follow-up treatments during optimal seasonal windows.
No single method suffices for all situations. Combining mechanical cutting and targeted herbicide application usually produces the best long-term control, while minimizing non-target damage.
Always read and follow label instructions for mixing rates, PPE, buffer zones, and disposal methods. When working near water or wetlands, use only products labeled for such use and consider hiring a certified applicator.
Removing invasives leaves gaps that exposed soil and seed banks can quickly recolonize. Successful restoration includes:
Restore in phases: stabilize soil and plant quick-growing natives, then introduce longer-lived canopy species.
Long-term success depends on repeated monitoring and community-level prevention. Practical steps:
DIY removal of seedlings and small shrubs is low-cost but time-intensive. Expect costs for professional services to vary widely:
Get multiple bids, check references, and confirm insurance and licensing for contractors.
Removing invasive trees from Minnesota properties is not a one-off task. It is an ongoing stewardship commitment that rewards persistence with healthier, more resilient native landscapes. With careful planning, the right methods, and continued monitoring, you can reclaim your land from invasive woody plants and support native biodiversity for years to come.