Long Grove is one of Lake County's most distinctive communities — large lots, extensive natural areas, and a character that feels closer to rural Illinois than to the suburbs. That same landscape is also prime habitat for common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), which has established itself throughout Long Grove's woodlots, ravines, and property edges over the past several decades.
The good news for Long Grove property owners is that the Village has a direct financial incentive for removal: the Invasive Species Remediation Grant Program, which covers 50% of eligible removal costs up to $2,000 per project.
The Long Grove Invasive Species Remediation Grant
The Village of Long Grove's grant program is open to residents, businesses, and homeowner associations within village limits. Here's how it works:
- Award amount: 50% match on eligible costs, minimum award $500, maximum $2,000 per project
- Eligible work: Removal of invasive species including common and glossy buckthorn
- Who can apply: Residents, businesses, and HOAs
- Funding: Awards are granted until the annual funding threshold is reached. Early applications in a given year have the best chance of funding.
- Reimbursement process: Submit receipts following project completion
For current program details and the application, visit the Village of Long Grove website or contact us — we can help you navigate the application and schedule your project to align with grant timelines.
Buckthorn in Long Grove: What Makes It a Particular Challenge
Long Grove's landscape creates specific conditions that allow buckthorn to spread aggressively:
Large lot sizes with substantial woodland. Many Long Grove properties include significant wooded acreage — which means infestations have more room to develop, more established plants per property, and more complex terrain to work through during removal.
Connectivity between properties. Buckthorn spreads by seed, carried primarily by birds. In a community where wooded lots connect to each other and to natural areas, an untreated infestation on one property is a seed source for neighboring land. Community-wide management makes a meaningful difference.
Varied terrain. Ravines, wetland edges, and uneven topography are common on Long Grove properties. These areas can be difficult to access with equipment, which affects the cost and approach of professional removal.
Dense canopy shade. Buckthorn is shade-tolerant and thrives in the understories of Long Grove's mature woodlands. In some areas, decades of buckthorn growth have eliminated the native shrub and wildflower layer entirely — making active native restoration necessary after removal.
What Professional Buckthorn Removal Involves
A properly managed buckthorn removal program has several components:
Initial assessment. Every property is different. Before any work begins, we walk the site to assess the density, stem sizes, access constraints, and realistic scope of the job. This lets us give you an accurate quote and realistic timeline.
Cutting and immediate stump treatment. All buckthorn stems are cut at or near ground level, and each stump is treated with an appropriate herbicide within minutes of cutting. This is the most critical step — cutting without treating the stump results in aggressive regrowth that can be worse than the original stand.
Debris management. Brush can be chipped on-site, piled for decomposition, or hauled off property. Any berry-bearing material should not be composted or chipped, as seeds can survive and spread.
Multi-year follow-up. The buckthorn seed bank can remain active for up to six years. After initial removal, monitoring and targeted spot-treatment of seedlings and resprouts in years two through four is essential to lasting results. Year two and three maintenance is far less expensive than the initial removal.
Native restoration (optional but recommended). Removing buckthorn creates an opportunity to establish native ground cover and shrubs that will compete with seedlings and restore the ecological function of your woodland understory. See our native plant guide for species recommendations.
Cost Estimates for Long Grove Properties
Based on typical Long Grove lot sizes and infestation patterns, here are rough ranges for professional removal:
| Infestation Level | Estimated Professional Cost | After Grant Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Light — scattered plants, small lot | $1,000 – $2,500 | $500 – $1,250 |
| Moderate — dense areas, mixed sizes | $2,500 – $5,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Heavy — mature trees, large areas | $5,000 – $10,000+ | $3,000 – $8,000+ |
The $2,000 maximum grant covers a significant portion of light to moderate removal projects. For larger jobs, combining the Long Grove grant with professional removal still delivers meaningful savings — and avoids the far higher cost of addressing a more severe infestation years from now.
For a detailed cost breakdown, see our guide to how much buckthorn removal costs.
Timing Your Project
Late fall through early winter (October through February in Illinois) is typically the most effective window for buckthorn removal. Buckthorn holds its green leaves well after native trees have dropped theirs, making it easy to identify and target. Ground conditions are also often better for equipment access, and cut-stump herbicide treatment is highly effective in fall as the plant moves carbohydrates to its roots.
If you're considering applying for the Long Grove grant, starting the conversation early in the year gives you the best chance of funding before the annual threshold is reached.
Start with a Free Property Assessment
We offer free walkthrough assessments for Long Grove properties. After seeing your land, we can tell you:
- The realistic scope of your buckthorn problem
- Whether a DIY approach, professional removal, or a hybrid makes sense
- What a multi-year management plan would look like
- How to apply for the Long Grove grant and what to include
Reach out to schedule your free assessment. We serve Long Grove and the surrounding Lake County area and are familiar with the landscape conditions typical of the community.
Related Reading
- What Is Common Buckthorn and Why Is It a Problem?
- How to Identify Buckthorn on Your Property
- How Much Does Buckthorn Removal Cost?
- What Happens If You Cut Buckthorn Without Treating the Stump?
- Native Plants to Consider After Buckthorn Removal
- All Grant Programs in Our Service Area
- Our Professional Removal Services