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How to Kill a Tree without Cutting It Down
The document provides a guide by John Lampe on how to kill a tree without cutting it down, recommending the use of herbicide, particularly glyphosate, in fall or early winter when the sap is descending. It details methods for applying the herbicide effectively through cuts or drill holes in the bark. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of not disturbing the tree for about a year after application to ensure the herbicide reaches the roots.
How to Kill a Tree without Cutting It Down
- 1. How to Killa Tree Without Cutting it Down By: John Lampe Licensed Pesticide Applicator
- 2. Here are answers toquestions you might have.
- 3. First Question Can Ileave a standing dead tree?
- 4. 4 Standing, dead trees aregreat habitat for wildlife. Woodpecker hole
- 5. Work of apileated woodpecker on a dead aspen tree.
- 6. However, be careful! Adead tree will eventually fall.
- 7. Make sure thatit will not fall near people or property.
- 8. Second Question Should Iuse herbicide?
- 9. Herbicide will killa tree faster and with greater ease and certainty.
- 10. If you don’twant to use herbicide, see the Green Shoots® video: “How to Kill a Tree without Chemical.”
- 11. Second Question What timeof year?
- 12.
- 13. Early summer isnot so good either.
- 14. Fall and earlywinter are best.
- 15.
- 16. Inner bark or phloem (livetissue) The objective is to introduce the herbicide into the live inner bark or “phloem.”
- 17. Phloem sap transportsenergy and nutrients between the leaves and roots.
- 18. In springtime, phloemsap is rising . . . Sap
- 19. . . .To feed leaf growth. Sap
- 20. In fall andwinter, phloem sap is falling . . .
- 21. . . .to store energy and nutrients in roots.
- 22. The herbicide willtravel with the sap. . . Herbicide Sap
- 23. to reach theroots and kill the entire tree.
- 24. Third Question How doI use the herbicide?
- 25. Select the rightherbicide: glyphosate works well and is readily available to most consumers.
- 26. The herbicide shouldhave active ingredient of at least 20%.
- 27. Read and followthe label on the herbicide.
- 28. Dilute the mixturewith water to about 20% active ingredient.
- 29. Pick a toolthat can cut into the bark.
- 30. Use a chisel(or knife) for trees with thin bark.
- 31. Use a hatchetfor trees with thicker bark.
- 32. Use a drillfor trees with very thick bark . . . or
- 33. . . .if you don’t like using a hatchet or chisel.
- 34. ½ inch drillbit
- 35. Inner bark or phloem (livetissue) The objective is to introduce the herbicide into the live inner bark or “phloem.”
- 36. With a hatchetor chisel, cut the slit at a 30 degree angle into the bark.
- 37. Inner bark or phloem(live tissue) If using a drill, drill at 45 degree angle.
- 38. Sapwood You should seewhite sapwood which is moist.
- 39. Using the hatchet,for example . . .
- 40. . . .cut the first slit . . .
- 41. 6 inches aboveground level is ideal but . . . 6 inches
- 42. . . .you can cut higher if cutting low is difficult. 25 inches?
- 43. Leave the littleflap of bark if possible to help retain the herbicide.)
- 44. Immediately apply foam herbicideto the slit – don’t wait longer than a few minutes.
- 45. Frill cuts –several with foam herbicide.
- 46. Apply the foamto the slit and inside of the flap.
- 47. The foam willslowly dissolve . . .
- 48. . . .travel in the phloem and down to the roots. Inner bark or phloem (live tissue)
- 49. Cut another slitat the base of the tree.
- 50. About 1 inchapart. 1 inch
- 51. Apply herbicide in2nd slit.
- 52. Cut all slitsand apply foam herbicide.
- 53. Or, if usinga drill, drill all around the base.
- 54. Do not disturbthe tree for about a year.
- 55. To see allour products search: “Green Shoots Foam”