How to Manage Buckthorn Without Herbicide

Invasive buckthorn is notoriously difficult to manage. The two invasive species in North America, common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), grow quickly to shade out native plants and form dense, impenetrable thickets. If cut and not treated with herbicide, buckthorn stumps will vigorously resprout to create multiple trunks. So, how do you manage buckthorn when you can’t use herbicide?