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.

The city encourages residents to remove buckthorn from their property. By leaving it in your yard, particularly the female, berry-producing plants, there is a greater chance of it spreading. 

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. Please call 651-730-2740 to reserve a wrench.

Residents may drop off their buckthorn for free at Public Works, 1900 Hadley Avenue North, 7:30 AM to 3 PM, from April 15 through October 15 pending weather. For details, please call 651-730-2740.

Annual Buckthorn Curbside Collection Program

Every fall, the city offers a complimentary buckthorn curbside collection program for residents. Collection dates for 2025 are as follows:

  • Tuesday, September 23
  • Tuesday, October 7
  • Tuesday, October 21

To receive curbside pickup services, please complete the online collection waiver by the Friday before your desired collection date for pickup. 

Curbside Pickup Guidelines

  • The pickup is restricted to only buckthorn.
  • Piles should be no larger than 3.5 feet high, 3.5 feet wide, and up to 20 feet in length
  • Piles need to be stacked 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.
  • Any trees with roots/root balls will not be accepted.
  • 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.
  • Piles must be placed on the curb no later than 8 AM on collection date. 

Annual Buckthorn Removal Project

The annual Scott Carver Buckthorn Removal Project helps remove buckthorn in Oakdale. The 2025 event will take place Saturday, October 11 beginning at 9 AM at Walton Park . To volunteer, contact:
Tim Mehlhorn, City Forester
timothy.mehlhorn@oakdalemn.gov | 651-730-5302