Buckthorn

Small Buckthorn (under 1-inch diameter)

• Pulling: Best for flat, lightly infested areas with small buckthorn
• Tool Rental: Rent a weed wrench from the City to help remove invasive plants from your property (Residents only)
  • Available: May 1 – November 1
    Rental Period: Two weeks
    Deposit: $200 refundable deposit (credit card only – no cash or checks)

    Pickup Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Apply to rent a weed wrench

Large Buckthorn (1-inch diameter or larger)

• Cutting & Herbicide: Good for large and small buckthorn
• Timing: Avoid spring treatment, Fall is ideal (buckthorn stays green after other plants lose leaves)
• Process:
  1. Cut close to ground level
  2. Apply 20% glyphosate immediately to cut stump (Caution: Do not use these herbicides in or near water or waterways. If you will be working near water, ask for a glyphosate herbicide at 20% or greater concentration that is approved for use near water.)
  3. Use indicator dye to track treated areas
  4. Wear protective gear and follow herbicide safety guidelines

Pick Up Program

Applications for 2025 pick has closed. Be on the look out for 2026 pick up information. Program Options Neighborhood Pickup Program: For any size property when three or more homeowners apply together Large Lot Program: For individual properties with at least 1/3 acre of mature buckthorn

How It Works

1. Submit application by July 31
2. If selected, coordinate buckthorn removal with your group
3. Stack cut buckthorn at curb (no more than 72 hours before pickup)
4. We will collect the brush free of charge on your designated pickup date

Important Dates

• July 31: Application deadline
• Mid-August: Selection announcements
• August 31: Last day to request preferred pickup date
• September-October: Removal period (pickups on Mondays)

Free Drop-Off at City Compost Site

• 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Burnsville residents only
• Last full weekend of each month (June - September)
• Every full weekend in October
• Located behind Dodge of Burnsville on Pleasant Avenue
• Only buckthorn brush will be accepted

Other Options

• Contact trash hauler for one-time pickup (fee applies)
• Hire tree service company
• Use Dakota County yard waste facilities

Ready for something fresh and new? Native plants are always a great replacement option! Our Natural Resources team especially loves dogwood and bee balm. 

• Arbor Day Tree Sale (spring)
• Native Plant Market (spring)
• Scott County SWCD Tree and Shrub Sale (orders in fall, pickup in April)