Reclaim your woods from the silent invasion.
In Northern and Central Minnesota, the spread of invasive species like European Buckthorn is more than just an eyesore—it is an ecological crisis happening in your own backyard. These aggressive invaders create impenetrable “green walls” that choke out native saplings, degrade wildlife habitat, and ruin the recreational value of your land.
Unlike general clearing crews that might accidentally spread seeds or damage the native trees you want to save, we identify and target invasive species with surgical precision. We understand the biology of the forest. We know that simply cutting these plants isn’t enough; you have to manage the biomass to prevent them from overtaking the understory again.
Choose Custom Forestry to halt the spread and restore the natural balance of your property, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and native species to thrive once more.
Buckthorn Removal
Invasive Species
Accessibility
Forest Health
Habitat Restoration
We are different
Experience means we know the difference between a prickly ash and a valuable oak seedling. While others may see a wall of brush to be flattened, we see a delicate ecosystem that needs to be rescued.
We help you pivot from being overwhelmed to being in control. Our method uses specialized forestry mulching equipment (the ASV RT-120 with a FECON head) to grind invasive trees and brush right where they stand. This technique is superior to bulldozing because it leaves the soil structure intact—critical for preventing the germination of dormant weed seeds—and returns nutrients to the ground as mulch.
Whether you are fighting a losing battle against a Buckthorn thicket or need to clear a Prickly Ash infestation for hunting access, we deliver a clean, navigable forest floor without the mud and mess of traditional heavy equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Buckthorn such a problem?
Buckthorn leaves out earlier and stays green longer than native plants, effectively shading out wildflowers and tree seedlings (like Oaks and Maples). It also alters the soil nitrogen levels, making it harder for native plants to grow back. It provides poor nutrition for wildlife and creates a dense, impassable mess.
How does your mulching method help?
Mulching is often the most effective first step in controlling heavy infestations. It instantly removes the physical barrier of the brush, grinds up the seed-bearing berries (reducing future spread), and creates a mulch layer that suppresses some regrowth. It allows you to actually see and access your land to manage any future sprouts.
Will the invasive plants come back?
Invasive species are persistent. While our mulching process drastically reduces the population and opens the woods, follow-up maintenance (such as spot spraying or mowing) is usually required to handle rapid regrowth from the roots. We can advise you on the best long-term plan for your specific property.
Can you work around my mature trees?
Absolutely. Our machinery is compact and agile. We can weave between your mature timber, selectively grinding only the invasive understory while leaving your “keeper” trees completely unharmed. This “selective clearing” is our specialty.