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CITY OF APPLE VALLEY BUCKTHORN PICKUP PROGRAM FOR 2008

The City's Public Works Department is offering buckthorn pickup service free of charge to Apple Valley residents. City crews will pickup buckthorn from August 18, 2008 through November 18, 2008. Please review the following buckthorn removal information and pickup rules to maximize your efforts in eradicating buckthorn from your property, and assure an efficient buckthorn pickup program.

Apple Valley residents can use, free of charge, a City-owned weed wrench or extractigator for pulling buckthorn plants from the ground. These mechanical levers will work for pulling buckthorn plants up to 2 ½" in diameter, eliminating the need for chemical stump treatment. A deposit is required at the time of tool pickup, and returned when tool is brought back.

Buckthorn is a non-native, invasive under-story specie commonly found in forested areas. The plant can be pulled or dug out during any frost-free time of year. This method removes the root system which is critical for eradicating buckthorn. All buckthorn that is cut requires a stump treatment to kill the root system and prevent re-sprouting. Chemical stump treatment is very effective, and should be applied immediately after cutting and when air temperatures are above freezing. Products such as Brush Be Gone (active ingredient triclopyr) or Roundup (active ingredient glyphosate) are widely used for treating buckthorn stumps, and are available at most retail stores that sell yard and garden supplies. Products for treating buckthorn stumps must be labeled for controlling brush or stumps. Herbicides for killing grass and weeds are not effective for killing buckthorn root systems. When treating buckthorn near a wetland area, be sure chemicals are labeled for use near open water. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS WHEN USING CHEMCIALS.

The Following Rules Must be Followed to Assure Buckthorn Pickup

1. Buckthorn brush must be cut into pieces no longer than 15 feet, and the roots must be knocked free of dirt.
2. Stack buckthorn in front of the property on a public street boulevard, parallel to the curb, with cut or root ends pointing in the direction of vehicular travel along your side of the street.
3. Buckthorn must be placed within eight feet of the curb, and multiple piles kept separate and not intertwined. Buckthorn must not block any public sidewalk or street, and cannot be placed on driveways.
4. AFTER buckthorn is placed in the boulevard, call the Natural Resources Division by Monday noon to schedule pickup for that week. Buckthorn pickup begins on Tuesday mornings (barring a severe storm or equipment failure). For additional information call the Natural Resources Division at 952-953-2460, or visit the City web site at www.cityofapplevalley.org.
5. Only buckthorn will be picked up. If other types of materials are placed in the buckthorn piles, the City will not pick up at those sites.

Important Note: Only buckthorn brush will be picked up by the City. If other types of wood are placed in the buckthorn piles, they will not be picked up. To ensure pickup of buckthorn piles, the above guidelines must be followed.

To link to the DNR web site on Buckthorn >>>

Content updated on: 18-Mar-2008

City of Apple Valley
7100 West 147th Street | Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 953-2500 | info@ci.apple-valley.mn.us
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