Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, Box Elder & Cedar Clearing

Invasive Brush & Small Tree Clearing in Eastern Minnesota & Western Wisconsin

Invasive species like buckthorn, honeysuckle, box elder, and wild cedar are among the most persistent land management challenges facing property owners across Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. These fast-growing, shade-tolerant species crowd out native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat quality, block trails and fence lines, and lower overall property value. Left unchecked, invasive brush can take over entire woodlots, pasture edges, and fence rows within just a few growing seasons.

Aspen Land Management LLC uses purpose-built forestry mulching equipment and mechanical brush clearing techniques to remove invasive brush and small trees efficiently and at scale. Unlike hand-cutting or herbicide programs alone, our mechanical clearing processes invasive material on-site, grinding it into mulch that immediately returns organic matter to the soil. There is no debris pile to haul, no burning required, and the cleared area is left stabilized and ready for reseeding or future use.

Common Invasive Species We Clear

Our crews are experienced with the full range of invasive brush species found across St. Croix County, Washington County, and the surrounding MN/WI border region. We regularly clear:

• Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) — Forms dense thickets in woodlots and fence rows. Crowds out native understory plants and reduces oak regeneration.
• Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) — Highly invasive in wetland margins and low-lying areas. Tolerates shade and wet soils better than common buckthorn.
• Japanese Honeysuckle & Bush Honeysuckle — Aggressive vining and shrub species that outcompete native shrubs and reduce habitat diversity.
• Box Elder (Acer negundo) — A native but weedy maple that colonizes disturbed soils, fence rows, and stream banks rapidly. Often treated as an invasive in managed landscapes.
• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) — Expands into open grasslands and pastures when fire suppression allows. Dense cedar encroachment significantly reduces native grass and forb cover.
• Wild Plum & Hawthorn Thickets — Common along fence lines and at woodland edges throughout the region.
• Autumn Olive & Multiflora Rose — Thorny invasive shrubs that form impenetrable thickets in old fields and rights-of-way.

Our Invasive Brush Clearing Process

Every invasive brush clearing project begins with a free on-site consultation. One of our project managers walks the property with you, evaluates species composition and density, identifies any access or terrain constraints, and provides a written quote. We do not provide ballpark pricing over the phone — the site visit allows us to provide an accurate, project-specific estimate.

Once mobilized, our forestry mulching equipment works efficiently through dense brush and small tree growth, processing material up to 6-8 inches in diameter. Larger trees (6-12+ inch diameter) can be felled and processed separately. Our operators work in systematic passes to ensure complete clearing without leaving behind root crowns or stumps that would allow rapid re-sprouting.

After clearing, we can assist with site preparation for native seed mixes, erosion control matting, or prairie grass establishment. Many of our clients combine invasive brush clearing with a native seeding program through MN DNR or NRCS cost-share programs, which can offset 50-75% of restoration costs for qualifying landowners.

Invasive Brush Clearing Costs in MN & WI

Invasive brush clearing costs vary based on species density, terrain, access conditions, and property location. In our service area spanning Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, typical invasive clearing projects range from $300-$800 per acre for light to moderate brush density, with heavier buckthorn or honeysuckle infestations running $600-$1,500 per acre. Most residential and rural land clearing projects fall in the $1,500-$8,000 range depending on scope.

All quotes are site-specific. We offer free site visits throughout our service area including Stillwater MN, Woodbury MN, Saint Paul MN, Hudson WI, Somerset WI, New Richmond WI, River Falls WI, and surrounding communities in Washington County, St. Croix County, and Pierce County.

Grant Programs for Invasive Species Control

Minnesota and Wisconsin landowners may be eligible for cost-share funding through NRCS EQIP, MN DNR RIM, Wisconsin WFLGP, or county-level conservation programs that reimburse a portion of invasive species treatment costs. These programs typically prioritize projects with a clear native habitat restoration component. Aspen Land Management has experience working on grant-assisted projects and can help landowners document pre-treatment conditions and meet program requirements.

Ready to clear invasive brush from your property? Contact Aspen Land Management today for a free site visit and written quote. We serve property owners, developers, municipalities, and conservation organizations across the MN/WI border region.