Buckthorn Removal Incentive Program

Are you considering removing buckthorn from your property? The Village of Glenview can help! The Buckthorn Removal Incentive Program provides a 50 percent reimbursement - up to $600 - for preapproved buckthorn removal projects.

The program is available to both residential and commercial properties incorporated within the Village of Glenview. Buckthorn must be fully eradicated from the property to qualify for reimbursement. Costs associated with the removal, disposal, and stump grinding/treatment are all eligible for reimbursement under the program.

The intent of the program is to reduce one of the most challenging invasive species within the Village. Those removing buckthorn are also eligible and encouraged to apply for the tree planting incentive program, which will increase tree canopy cover and species diversity in the Village. For further information, see the Village of Glenview Urban Forest Management Plan (linked at right).

Apply here!

Questions about the program can be directed to treeincentive@glenview.il.us or by calling (847)904-4536.

The cost-share program is focused on private property. Incorporated residents seeking buckthorn removal from the parkway/Village right-of-way should contact the Public Works Department at 847-724-1700 to discuss options.

Buckthorn Removal Incentive Program FAQ

What is the process to participate?

How do I know if there is buckthorn growing on my property?

Why should I remove buckthorn?

How do I remove buckthorn?

There are a few methods that residents or their landscapers can use to eradicate buckthorn. For an overview of a typical process, see this video of a buckthorn removal project that took place at Glenview’s Village Hall.

Small plants can be pulled out of the ground when the soil is moist or can be dug out. Be sure to remove the root crown if using this method. Larger plants can be cut close to the ground using loppers, hand saws, or chain saws depending on the size of the plant or the infestation. The stumps must be mechanically ground below the level of the soil surface, or they can be individually treated/painted with an effective herbicide, such as triclopyr, at an appropriate concentration. As an alternative to herbiciding the stumps, a very dark, opaque plastic bag or tin can may be secured around the stump to deprive it of sunlight for a year or two – if done properly the root system should die within this time. Some large infestations of buckthorn can be treated directly with foliar or basal bark applications of herbicide – after the buckthorn dies, the dead trunks/stems will need to be cut down and removed.

Whatever method is chosen, buckthorn removal is often an ongoing process. Re-sprouts and re-seeding of buckthorn back into the property can easily occur, so annually monitoring for buckthorn and then removing it immediately, while it is still small, will help to make the project a long-term success. It is also helpful to quickly plant more desirable vegetation that can compete with buckthorn. You may want to consider the Village of Glenview’s Tree Planting Incentive Program as one part of your re-landscaping effort. Other resources include the Wild Ones education/advocacy organization that focuses on native landscaping, the Chicago Region Trees Initiative’s Healthy Hedges brochure, the University of Illinois Extension website, and numerous native landscaping/gardening books, videos, and websites – look for those specific to Illinois and especially the Chicago region. See the resources library on the right for links to more information.

Will I be eligible for reimbursement if I do the project myself?

Can I phase my buckthorn removal project?

The buckthorn is providing screening from the street or an undesirable view. What can I do?

What should I plant in place of the buckthorn?

There is buckthorn on the property line between my property and my neighbor's property. What if I remove the buckthorn on my side of the property line but my neighbors do not remove buckthorn on their side?

What do I do if the buckthorn is on the property line between my property and the Village right-of-way?

How do I know where my property line is?

What if buckthorn continues to invade my property?

Buckthorn Removal Resources

What is buckthorn and how do I get rid of it?

Important Tree Resources

The Village takes our tree canopy, sustainability and the environment seriously. Here are some good resources to help you make sure you can always see the forest and the trees.