Backyard Ash and Buckthorn Removal

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your outdoor space is let go of what's no longer serving it. That's exactly what happened when we recently removed two dead ash trees and a tangle of invasive buckthorn from a client's backyard here in the Minneapolis area. Like so many trees across Minnesota, these ash had fallen victim to the Emerald Ash Borer — and while it's always a little bittersweet to take down a tree, tackling the buckthorn alongside them was an easy decision. That stuff has a way of creeping in and crowding out everything around it, and this fire pit area had been slowly swallowed up by it for years. With everything cleared out, sunlight that hadn't touched that corner of the yard in ages came pouring through, completely transforming the feel of the space.

The difference was immediate and honestly breathtaking. The fire pit area, which had previously felt tucked away in shadow and overgrowth, opened up into a warm and inviting gathering spot. Where there was once a canopy of dead, gray branches and a wall of invasive shrubs, there's now open sky — perfect for watching sunsets with a cold drink in hand or stargazing around the fire on a clear Minnesota night. The homeowners could hardly believe it was the same backyard.

If you have dead ash trees or buckthorn taking over a space you love, don't wait to address them. Removing them isn't losing something; it's making room for something better. At Rooted Treeworks, we love helping homeowners reclaim their outdoor spaces and fall in love with their backyards all over again. Give us a call and let's talk about what's possible in yours!