Buckthorn Slayers are Ready to Attack this Shrub in Billings

As a homeowner in Billings, you're probably aware that maintaining a yard isn't just about keeping it looking good—it's about preserving the health of our local environment. One of the most insidious threats to our landscapes here in Billings is the common buckthorn, a noxious bush/tree-like plant that, once popular for its ornamental appeal, has turned into a real menace.

The City of Billings is stepping up to help us tackle this problem head-on, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Montana Department of Agriculture. The City has enlisted a team of specialists dubbed "buckthorn slayers" to help homeowners clear this invasive species from our yards.

These experts are well-versed in buckthorn removal, employing various strategies depending on the plant’s size, location, and the unique conditions of our Montana soil and weather.

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Now is a great time to eradicate buckthorn.

Fall is the prime time for taking down buckthorn. While most other trees and shrubs will soon be shedding their leaves, buckthorn remains stubbornly green, making it easier to identify and target. Once identified, the buckthorn slayers get to work, cutting down the plants and hauling away the debris to a City-owned site where it’s chipped and processed. These pros will also reseed the cleared area with grass to help restore your landscape to its natural beauty.

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And if you’re looking to replace the buckthorn with something more beneficial to the environment, the City is offering up to $100 in reimbursement for replacement shrubs, provided you submit the necessary receipts and documentation.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to be present when the buckthorn slayers arrive. This ensures you can have a say in which plants stay and which ones go, and to understand just how dramatically your yard might change once the buckthorn is gone. The transformation can be striking; what was once a thick, unruly mass of greenery could soon be an open, revitalized space.

Buckthorn berries are a laxative for birds, with little nutritional value.

It’s important to remember that buckthorn isn’t just a problem for our yards. This plant, originally brought to the U.S. for its attractive dark green leaves and purple berries, has proven to be harmful to wildlife. Its berries are essentially junk food for birds, providing little nutritional value while spreading the seeds far and wide.

Once established, buckthorn chokes out native plants and disrupts habitats crucial for pollinators and other wildlife. It even hinders the growth of iconic trees like the Cottonwoods along the Yellowstone River by blocking sunlight and preventing regeneration.

If you're ready to take action, schedule a buckthorn slayer appointment by calling (406) 698-6551.