Removing unwanted trees involves several methods aimed at killing the tree or cutting it down. Based on available information, effective approaches include girdling, various herbicide treatments, repeated pruning, and cutting the tree down.
Unwanted trees can pose problems, from competing with desired plants to causing structural damage. Deciding how to remove one often depends on its size, location, and the desired speed of removal. Here are several methods to consider:
Methods for Eliminating Unwanted Trees
Different techniques target the tree's ability to transport nutrients and water, or simply remove it physically. It's important to choose a method appropriate for the specific tree and your situation.
Here are common approaches:
- Girdle the tree: This method involves removing a strip of bark and the underlying cambium layer around the entire circumference of the trunk. This prevents the tree from transporting sugars from the leaves to the roots, effectively starving it.
- Use a basal bark treatment: Applying a specific herbicide mixture directly to the lower 12-18 inches of the tree's bark, especially for thin-barked trees, can kill it by allowing the herbicide to be absorbed through the bark.
- Apply herbicide to the roots of the tree: While the reference suggests this, applying herbicide directly to the roots can be less effective and potentially harmful to surrounding vegetation. More common and effective herbicide application points are cut surfaces or the bark.
- Opt for injectable poison: Specialized tree injection systems allow you to deliver herbicide directly into the tree's vascular system, ensuring rapid and effective distribution throughout the tree, including the roots.
- Spray the foliage with herbicide repeatedly: For smaller trees and saplings, repeatedly spraying the leaves with a suitable herbicide can eventually kill the tree by preventing photosynthesis and exhausting its reserves. This may require multiple applications.
- Pour Epsom salt in the roots: Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is often suggested as a natural method. Large quantities of Epsom salt applied around the root zone are believed to dehydrate the tree and disrupt its nutrient uptake, although its effectiveness compared to herbicides is debated.
- Prune the leafy branches repeatedly: Continuously removing new growth and leafy branches prevents the tree from performing photosynthesis, which is essential for its survival. While this method is labor-intensive and takes a long time, it will eventually exhaust the tree's stored energy and lead to its demise.
- Cut the tree down: The most direct method of removal is felling the tree. This requires proper tools and safety precautions. While this removes the trunk and branches, the stump and root system remain and may require further treatment (like grinding or applying herbicide to the stump) to prevent regrowth.
| Method | Description | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girdling | Removing a bark strip around the trunk. | Slow | Larger trees |
| Basal Bark Treatment | Herbicide applied to lower bark. | Moderate | Thin-barked trees |
| Injectable Poison | Herbicide injected into the trunk. | Fast | Various sizes |
| Foliage Spray | Repeated herbicide spraying on leaves. | Moderate | Smaller trees/saplings |
| Cutting Down | Physically felling the tree. | Very Fast | Any size (with expertise) |
| Repeated Pruning | Continuously removing leafy branches. | Very Slow | Persistent saplings |
| Epsom Salt (Roots) | Applying large amounts around roots. | Slow | Natural method seekers |
| Herbicide (Roots) | Applying herbicide directly to roots (less common/effective). | Slow | (Generally not recommended) |
Choosing the right method depends on factors like tree size, species, location, and environmental considerations. For larger or potentially hazardous trees, consulting a professional arborist is always recommended.
