Eliminating small buckthorn

Because of the extensive seed bank, buckthorn continues to send up new shoots for years after the original plants have been eliminated. I have tried lots of different ways of killing these small shoots, including foliar spraying and cutting and treating the cut stems. Both of these methods work, but have their own problems.

My new method, which works like a charm and is quick and economical, is basal bark treatment using a foam paint stick on a long pole. No stooping. Quite conservative of herbicide, and very easy to control.

I have discussed the foam paint stick technique in my web site, and in several blogs. Until recently, we were using this only for treating cut stems. But obviously the same device can be used for basal bark application of herbicide. Because buckthorn stems are small and smooth, the foam brush is easily used.

The photo above shows a group of buckthorn stems that have been treated. The zone where the herbicide was applied can be seen. It isn't necessary to apply herbicide all around the stem; just one side is enough. The herbicide is 20% Garlon 4 diluted in Bark Oil, with an oil-soluble red dye added.

The photo to the left shows a buckthorn stem that had been basal barked with the foam brush about 2 weeks ago. The bright green leaves have turned to a dirty gray and have curled up. In another week or so, the stem should be leafless.

I treated 24 marked stems and all 24 showed the same response.

This technique should be usable any time of year, although if used now the response is very easy to see.

We have been using foam paint sticks for several years. I'm not sure why I never thought of using them for basal bark treatment.