Financial Assistance
Local Grants & Incentives
Several municipalities in Lake County and Northern Cook County offer cost-share grants to help residents offset the cost of buckthorn removal. If you live in one of the communities below, you may qualify for funding before you spend a dollar.
The programs below are offered directly by each municipality. Requirements, eligibility, and funding amounts can change from year to year. Always verify current details with your village before starting any work. If you have questions, contact us and we will help where we can.
Village Grant Programs
Village of Riverwoods
Ecological Cost Share Program
Riverwoods offers a cost-share program for residents who hire a Village-Registered Contractor to remove invasive species from their property. The program is administered by the Village Ecologist, who conducts a site visit before and after the project.
Funding Amount
50% cost-share, up to $2,000 or $4,000 depending on project scope
Program Details
- Eligible species include common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, burning bush, Japanese barberry, and others
- Requires an initial Ecological Consultation with the Village Ecologist ($75 fee)
- Each permit application costs $100 (non-refundable) — total of $175 in required fees before work begins
- Work must be performed by a Village-Registered Contractor
- Village Ecologist conducts a post-completion site visit to verify and approve reimbursement
- Reimbursement typically takes 4 to 8 weeks after approval
Village of Long Grove
Invasive Species Remediation Grant Program
Long Grove offers a 50% cost-share grant for removing invasive species including buckthorn. Residents must apply through the Village and provide documentation of existing conditions before work begins. The program gives priority to licensed herbicide contractors.
Funding Amount
50% cost-share, up to $2,000 (minimum project total of $1,000)
Program Details
- 50% cost-share reimbursement on qualifying removal costs
- Minimum project total of $1,000 required to qualify
- Reimbursement capped at $2,000
- Must submit a Plat of Survey with the application
- Before photos of the property are required for reimbursement
- Priority given to contractors with an Illinois Department of Agriculture herbicide applicator license
Village of Glenview
Buckthorn Removal Incentive Program
Glenview offers a reimbursement incentive for residents who fully remove buckthorn from their property. Complete removal across the entire property is required — partial clearing does not qualify. Stumps must be properly treated or ground, with documentation.
Funding Amount
50% cost-share, up to $600
Program Details
- 50% cost-share reimbursement on qualifying removal costs
- All buckthorn on the property must be removed to qualify — partial removal is not eligible
- Stumps must be ground or chemically treated, with documentation provided
- Available to Glenview residents on qualifying residential properties
Village of Glenview
Tree Planting Incentive Program
Glenview also offers a separate incentive for planting new trees on private property. Trees must be from a Village-approved species list and meet specific spacing requirements.
Funding Amount
50% cost-share, up to $300
Program Details
- 50% cost-share on the cost of qualifying trees
- Trees must be planted on private property — parkway plantings do not qualify
- Species must come from the Village-approved list
- Minimum spacing requirements apply (e.g., 5 feet from sidewalks)
Regional Resources
These programs do not provide direct reimbursement to individual homeowners, but they offer support for HOA boards, large landowners, and residents looking for free guidance.
Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC)
Watershed Management Board Grants
Best for: HOA Boards and Large LandownersThe Lake County SMC provides large-scale 50/50 cost-share grants to HOAs, nonprofits, and municipalities for drainage and water quality projects, including buckthorn removal. Individual homeowners cannot apply directly, but residents of HOAs with common areas may benefit if their board applies.
- Grants target large-scale invasive removal tied to stormwater management and flood control
- HOAs with common detention ponds, shared woodlands, or open drainage areas are strong candidates
- The SMC hosts an annual workshop (typically in February) connecting HOAs and residents with contractors and grant funding
- Buckthorn removal qualifies because the plant poisons surrounding soil and prevents native ground cover, leading to erosion and runoff into storm drains
Lake County Forest Preserves (LCFPD)
"Buckthorn Stops Here" Program
Best for: Individual Homeowners Across Lake CountyThe Lake County Forest Preserves offers a free yard consultation and a "Buckthorn Stops Here" garden flag for residential property owners committed to removal. This is an educational and recognition program rather than a cash reimbursement, but the free site visit can be a useful starting point for understanding the scope of your problem.
- Free professional yard consultation from LCFPD staff
- Participants receive a "Buckthorn Stops Here" yard flag upon completion
- Available to individual homeowners anywhere in Lake County
- Focus is ecological education and encouraging sustained, multi-year removal efforts
Have Questions?
Programs change from year to year. We are happy to help you think through your situation and point you in the right direction.
Program availability, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts are subject to change. Always verify current program details directly with your municipality before beginning work. Beyond Buckthorn is not affiliated with any of the grant programs listed above.