Your Checklist for Preventing a Buckthorn Outbreak

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Buckthorn fruits

Credit: Jan Samanek

You can't stop birds from dropping seeds on your land, but there are other steps you can take to keep buckthorn from taking over.

• Use native plants. When choosing plants for landscaping and erosion control, pick native plants. Buckthorn sales are banned in some states, but many nurseries sell plants that are known invaders.
• Keep an eye out. Get familiar with the native plants that grow on your land and learn to recognize buckthorn and other weeds. It's easier to stop an invasion when you catch it early.
• Wash equipment. Before bringing any equipment onto your property, always be sure it has been power-washed to stop the spread of invasive species.

Whether you’re trying to prevent an infestation or controlling damage from an existing infestation, you don’t have to go it alone. State, county or consulting foresters, the Forest Service or your local cooperative extension service can all help you protect your woods and preserve your forest legacy.