What We Offer
Services
From initial assessment through long-term native restoration, we provide comprehensive buckthorn management tailored to your property.
How It Works
Every engagement follows the same proven four-step process.
Assessment
We walk your property, identify species present, and map the full extent of the invasion.
Removal
We cut and remove all buckthorn by hand or machine, hauling away debris and clearing every stem.
Treatment
Cut stumps are treated immediately with targeted herbicide to block regrowth at the source.
Restoration
We help restore cleared areas with native trees and plants to prevent recolonization long-term.
Our Services
Each service is available individually or as part of a complete management program.
Property Assessment
Not sure how serious your buckthorn situation is? We offer on-site evaluations to identify the species present, estimate the extent of the invasion, and recommend the most cost-effective approach, with a written quote included.
- On-site walkthrough with a member of our team
- Species identification (common vs. glossy buckthorn)
- Density and spread assessment
- Written treatment recommendation report
- Detailed quote for proposed services
Buckthorn Removal
We mechanically remove common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) of all sizes, from dense multi-stem shrubs to established trees. After cutting, we apply a cut-stump herbicide treatment to prevent resprouting.
- Hand-cutting and mechanical removal of all sizes
- Stump treatment to prevent regrowth
- Brush pile removal and debris disposal
- Clearing of dense thickets and hedgerows
- Safe work near structures, fences, and utilities
Treatment & Prevention
Removal alone is not enough. Buckthorn is one of the most resilient invasive plants in the Midwest. Without proper treatment, cut stumps can resprout dozens of times and seed bank in the soil persists for years. Our treatment programs are designed to stop it for good.
- Cut-stump herbicide application (immediately post-cut)
- Basal bark treatment for stems too numerous to cut individually
- Foliar treatment for seedling and sapling populations
- Multi-year monitoring and follow-up treatment plans
- Documentation of treated areas for your records
Native Planting & Restoration
Removing buckthorn is only the first step. Without active restoration, cleared areas can be quickly recolonized by new seedlings or other invasives. We help property owners establish native trees, shrubs, and ground cover to permanently reclaim the space — and we can help coordinate with local incentive programs to offset costs.
- Native species selection matched to your site conditions and goals
- Sourcing guidance from reputable regional nurseries
- Proper siting, spacing, and planting recommendations
- Eligible species for municipal incentive programs (including Glenview's Tree Planting Program)
- Coordination with removal and treatment timelines for best establishment results
Glenview Residents
Tree Planting Incentive Program
The Village of Glenview offers a 50% cost-share reimbursement — up to $300 — for eligible tree plantings on private residential property. Glenview residents who complete buckthorn removal can stack this with the Village's Buckthorn Removal Incentive Program for additional savings.
- 50% reimbursement, up to $300 per tree
- One tree per residence per calendar year
- Deciduous: 1.5–3" caliper; Evergreen: 5–7' height
- Trees inspected 3 months after planting
- Reimbursement checks arrive 4–6 weeks after inspection
Questions? Contact treeincentive@glenview.il.us or call (847) 904-4536.
Species marked Native are native to Illinois. Deciduous trees must be 1.5–3" caliper; evergreens must be 5–7' in height. Other species may qualify with prior Village approval.
Amelanchier laevis
Ostrya virginiana
Carpinus caroliniana
Tilia americana
Cotinus obovatus
Taxodium distichum
Viburnum prunifolium
Quercus macrocarpa
Halesia caroliniana
Catalpa spp.
Quercus muehlenbergii
Aesculus hippocastanum
Abies concolor
Cornus mas
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Aesculus glabra 'J.N. Select'
Ulmus 'Frontier,' 'Morton Glossy'
Ulmus procera
Quercus robur
Fagus sylvatica
Platanus × acerifolia 'Morton Circle'
Ginkgo biloba 'Magyar' / 'Princeton Sentry'
Celtis occidentalis
Crataegus spp.
Carya spp.
Syringa reticulata
Zelkova serrata
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Gymnocladus dioicus
Pinus flexilis
Acer griseum
Picea omorika
Quercus imbricaria
Celtis laevigata
Quercus bicolor
Program eligibility, species, and funding are subject to change. Always verify current details directly with the Village of Glenview before purchasing trees.
Service Area
We primarily serve Lake County and Northern Cook County, Illinois.
If you're outside our primary service area, don't hesitate to reach out. We consider requests from surrounding communities and are happy to discuss your project.
Service Area Map
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