Resources
Guides, insights, and updates from the Beyond Buckthorn team.
July 1, 2025
Tackling a small buckthorn problem on your own is possible with the right tools and approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to DIY removal and treatment, plus honest guidance on when the job is worth calling in professionals.
Peter DeSio
Read more →June 1, 2025
Buckthorn can be tricky to distinguish from native shrubs, especially early in the season. Here's a practical guide to identifying common and glossy buckthorn on your property year-round.
Daniel DeSio
Read more →May 1, 2025
Removing buckthorn opens up light and resources that native plants can reclaim. Here are some of the best native species for restoring woodland understories and property edges in Northeast Illinois.
Robert DeSio
Read more →April 1, 2025
Many property owners cut buckthorn and assume the job is done. It isn't. Here's what actually happens when buckthorn stumps go untreated, and why the regrowth is often worse than what you started with.
Peter DeSio
Read more →March 1, 2025
Timing your buckthorn removal correctly can make a meaningful difference in the effectiveness of treatment and the ease of the work. Here's what you need to know about seasonal timing in Illinois.
Daniel DeSio
Read more →February 1, 2025
Property owners often underestimate how quickly buckthorn spreads and how much harder it becomes to control over time. Here's why acting early matters and what's at stake if you wait.
Robert DeSio
Read more →January 15, 2025
Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is one of the most invasive shrubs in Illinois. Here's what property owners need to know about identifying it and why it's harmful to the local ecosystem.
Daniel DeSio
Read more →