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1. Why can’t the chipper truck pick up my Buckthorn or Hawthorne branches?

Buckthorn and Hawthorne branches are not suitable material for chipping for several reasons. The main reason is the chipped material is recycled as mulch on both public and private property. The thorns and seeds from the branches can survive the chipping process and be present in the mulch. The thorns in the mulch present a hazard to both humans and animals. Since both Buckthorn and Hawthorne are invasive plants the seeds in the mulch can easily spread the species throughout Palos Park. The thorns also present a danger to the crew during the chipping process. Although not suitable for the chipper, these branches can be placed in yard waste containers, yard waste paper bags, or bundled (bundled branches should be less than 4 feet in length and weigh less than 50 pounds) and placed out with your regular garbage yard waste pick-up.

2. What does Buckthorn bark look like? I can’t see any thorns. Where are they?

Buckthorn characteristics: Look for egg-shaped, hairless, elliptical leaves that are pointed at the tip, smooth, dark, glossy, and fine-toothed edges.