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Herbicide Application Techniques for Woody Plant Control

Jason Ferrell, Stephen Enloe, and Brent Sellers

The encroachment of trees and other woody plants into pastures, fencerows, ditch banks, rights-of-way, and other areas is a common occurrence. These woody species can be particularly troublesome and require control since they will compromise fence integrity, vehicle safety, impede canal drainage, interfere with transmission of electricity. Additionally, some species (such as cherry trees) are highly poisonous to livestock. The aim of this publication is to detail the techniques for the removal of woody plants. For information on controlling similar species in natural areas or in forestry settings, consult UF/IFAS publications SP242, Integrated Management of Nonnative Plants in Natural Areas of Florida (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg209) and Circular 1477, Primer on Chemical Vegetation Management in Florida Pine Plantations (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr160).

Control of woody perennials can be difficult, but several control techniques are available. Mowing is a commonly used control procedure for small brush because the equipment is readily available and the results are immediate. However, this method generally provides only short-term success because it leaves live stumps and root-stocks that re-sprout. Mowing some species, like Chinese tallow, worsens the situation by replacing a single stemmed plant with a stump with multiple re-sprout stems. Another strategy that can reduce some troublesome species is fire. However, fire can be tricky to manage, and it is difficult to generate a fire with sufficient heat capacity to kill most hardwood species along fencerows, ditch banks, and other sites with low plant density.

Herbicides are often the most effective and inexpensive means of controlling woody plants. There are several application techniques that can be used to control trees and brush of various sizes. Not all brush species are equally susceptible to herbicides. Therefore, results may vary for any of these application methods, relative to brush size and species. Each application technique will be subsequently discussed.

Foliar Application

Foliar application directs an herbicide/water mixture directly onto the leaves of a plant (Figure 1). This technique can be highly effective on smaller species (6 to 8 feet in height). Auxin-type herbicides (such as triclopyr) are generally most effective early in the season, while enzyme-inhibiting herbicides (imazapyr and others) are most effective in the late summer or fall. Glyphosate is most effective in late summer or fall, prior to change in leaf color for deciduous species.

Figure 1. Foliar application with a backpack sprayer.
Figure 1.  Foliar application with a backpack sprayer.
Credit: Stephen Enloe, UF/IFAS

Adequate control with foliar applications can be difficult to accomplish. This is because complete coverage of all foliage is essential for control, but over-application (which leads to spray runoff) will reduce effectiveness. Therefore, foliar applications commonly require multiple follow-up treatments before control is accomplished. It is important to control spray drift when making foliar applications. Certain desirable hardwood and crop species are highly sensitive to spray drift and can be inadvertently damaged. It is also advisable to include a tracer dye with the spray solution to ensure that some plants are not sprayed twice while others are missed entirely.

What about mowing before treatment? Mowing decreases foliage while maintaining a large root mass, making control even more difficult. If plants have been mowed, it is important to allow them to regrow to a height of 3 or 4 feet before herbicide application.

Basal Application

Basal application combines the herbicide with an oil penetrant and applies the mixture directly to the bark of a standing tree. For trees that are less than 6-inches in diameter and have smooth bark, this method is frequently successful. However, it is important that the lower 12 to 18 inches of the stem be treated on all sides with the herbicide/oil mixture (Figure 2). Adequate coverage is essential, since treating only one side of the stem will result in controlling only half of the tree. Basal applications can be made any time of the year, but control may be reduced when trees are flushing new growth in the spring. Winter is often the easiest time to do basal treatments as temperatures are cooler and many tress and surrounding herbaceous plants are dormant.

Basal applications will not provide rapid control. Herbicide injury is often not observed for several weeks after treatment, and complete control may require several months. Additionally, basal treatment is not effective on older trees greater than six inches in diameter or trees with very thick bark. For these situations, other application techniques should be employed.

Figure 2. Basal bark application with herbicide/oil mixture.
Figure 2.  Basal bark application with herbicide/oil mixture.
Credit: Stephen Enloe, UF/IFAS

 

Hack and Squirt

The hack-and-squirt technique is ideal for control of large trees that cannot be managed with basal applications. This method requires that you use a machete or hatchet to cut through the thick bark and into the sapwood. The hacks should be made at a downward angle of approximately 45 degrees. This will create a "cup" to hold the herbicide solution. If the hack does not hold herbicide solution, the treatment will not be effective. Most labels specify 0.5 to 1.0 ml of solution per hack. This is important to note, as small spray bottles commonly sold in garden supply stores may apply as much as 3.5 ml per stroke. This makes accurate application very difficult, but the most important aspect is not to overfill the hack. The recommended spacing of hacks around the circumference of the tree is specified on the herbicide label and may be described as slightly overlapping, continuous, or evenly spaced. (Figure 3) The addition of a basal oil is not recommended for this procedure.

This method of application is advantageous because it is highly selective and injury to surrounding species is not common. It can also be done at any time during the year, but effective treatment of some species in the spring can be reduced because of heavy sap flow pushing the herbicide from the cut surfaces. Finally, the hack and squirt method should only be used where dead standing trees are acceptable from an aesthetic and safety standpoint. Therefore, it is not recommended along roadsides or in parks where hazard trees cannot be tolerated.

Figure 3. Hack-and-squirt application technique.
Figure 3.  Hack-and-squirt application technique.
Credit: Stephen Enloe, UF/IFAS

 

Cut Stump

This technique is employed after cutting a tree to eliminate, or greatly reduce, resprouts from the stump or lateral roots. The herbicide should be applied to the cut surface as quickly as possible after the sawdust has been removed. If applied immediately, an herbicide/water solution is sufficient. If herbicide treatment is delayed and the cut surface has begun to dry, an herbicide/basal oil mixture must be used instead and applied to the top and around the collar of the stump.

For stumps greater than 3 inches in diameter, thoroughly wet the outer edge while avoiding herbicide runoff (Figure 4). This is because the only living tissue in larger trees is around the outer edge. Covering the entire cut surface will require more herbicide, most of which will provide little effect. For smaller stems it is appropriate to cover the entire cut surface (Figure 5). For this procedure, herbicides can be applied using a backpack sprayer, squirt bottle, or paint brush. Regardless of how the herbicide is applied, a tracer dye should be included to ensure treatment of all individual stumps.

Figure 4. Application of herbicide to larger cut stumps only requires treatment of the outer edge.
Figure 4.  Application of herbicide to larger cut stumps only requires treatment of the outer edge.
Credit: Stephen Enloe, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 5. Application of herbicide to smaller stumps requires complete coverage.
Figure 5.  Application of herbicide to smaller stumps requires complete coverage.
Credit: Stephen Enloe, UF/IFAS
Table 1. 

Recommended herbicides for each application procedure.

Herbicide

Application Rate

Comments

Foliar Application

Imazapyr

(Arsenal, others)

1–3%

Excellent control of sweetgum and maples. Use higher rates for oaks and cherry. A non-ionic surfactant is required.

Glyphosate

(Several)

5–8%

Cover as much of the foliage as possible and spray until wet. If the brush has been cut, delay application for approximately 1 year. Retreatment is commonly required control.

triclopyr + 2,4-D

(Crossbow)

1–1.5%

For control of various herbaceous and woody species. This product contains 2,4-D ester; precautions to manage drift must be employed. Repeat applications are often required.

Triclopyr ester

(Remedy Ultra, others)

0.5–2%

Best when applied in late spring or early summer. If the brush has been cut, delay application for approximately 1 year. Thoroughly wet all leaves, but not to the point of runoff.

Triclopyr + fluroxypyr

(Pasturegard HL)

2–4 qt/100 gal of spray

Aminocyclopyrachlor Method 240 SL

8–16 oz/100 gal of spray

For best results, apply near the top of the tree and allow the spray to trickle down into the canopy. Full coverage of canopy is necessary, but do not allow runoff. Apply with 1% v/v methylated seed oil (MSO).

Aminopyralid Milestone

0.25–0.75% solution

For control of a wide variety of woody plants. For best results, mix with glypohosate (3-5%) and imazapyr (0.5%) or triclopyr at 1% plus a surfactant. Do not exceed 7 oz/A of Milestone.

Basal Bark

Imazapyr

(Stalker, others)

8–12 oz/gal

Best for trees less than 4 inches DBH (diameter at breast height). Be aware that imazapyr is highly active in the soil. If desirable plants are near to a treated individual, it is possible for the herbicide to wash off into the soil and injure or kill the desirable plant. Make sure to choose an imazapyr product that is soluble in basal oils.

Aminocyclopyrachlor Method 240 SL

10–20% solution

Best for trees less than 6 DBH. Spray until run-off at the ground line is noticeable. This herbicide significant soil activity, so be aware that desirable trees in the vicinity may be injured by these applications.

Triclopyr ester

(Pathfinder)

100%

Pathfinder is a "ready to use" product that is formulated and dosed correctly for this type of application. Apply Pathfinder at 100% strength as directed.

Triclopyr ester

(Remedy Ultra or others)

25% + 75% basal oil

Best for trees less than 6 inches DBH. Generally most effective 6 weeks prior to leaf expansion, until 2 months after. Most effective on trees with smooth bark. Thick bark trees may require retreatment. These herbicides have little or no soil activity.

Triclopyr + fluroxypyr

(Pasturegard HL)

25% + 75% basal oil

Hack-and-Squirt

Imazapyr 4 lb/gal

(Arsenal AC)

6 oz/gal

One hack per 3 inches DBH.

Triclopyr amine

(Garlon 3A, others)

50–100%

One hack per 3 or 4 inches DBH. Apply 0.5 ml undiluted herbicides or 1 ml of 50% solution in water.

Hexazinone

(Velpar)

100%

One hack per 4 inches DBH. Use undiluted herbicide.

Glyphosate

(several)

50%

1 ml per 2 or 3 inches DBH, applied below the branches. For larger trees, best results are observed from applying glyphosate in a continuous frill around the stem.

Aminopyralid (Milestone)

 

Make a series of slightly overlapping hacks around the trunk. Apply 1 ml of the solution per hack.

Cut Stump

Imazapyr

(Arsenal AC or Stalker)

6 oz/gal (for Arsenal AC)

or

8-16 oz/gal (for Stalker)

Apply to the top and side of a freshly cut stump. Garlon 3A is excellent for this use. If surface of stump has began to dry prior to herbicide treatment, apply Chopper or triclopyr ester product in basal oil or recut the stump and apply to the freshly cut surface. Garlon 3A will not effectively mix with basal oils.

Triclopyr amine

(Garlon 3A)

50–100% in water

Triclopyr ester

(Remedy Ultra or others)

25% solution in water or basal oil

Triclopyr + fluroxypyr

(Pasturegard HL)

25% solution in water or basal oil

Aminocyclopyrachlor Method 240 SL

5–10% solution in basal oil

Spray the stump surface and thoroughly wet the cambium layer all the way around.

Glyphosate

(several)

50–100%

Apply to cut stumps immediately after cutting. Glyphosate is not effective on stumps that have started to dry after cutting. If immediate treatment is not possible, other herbicides should be selected since glyphosate will not mix with basal oils.

Aminopyralid (Milestone)

10%

Apply solution to cambium area around the entire circumference of the stump. Apply immediately after cutting.

 

 

Publication #SS-AGR-260

Release Date:January 7th, 2019

Reviewed At:July 20th, 2022

Related Experts

Ferrell, Jason A.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Enloe, Stephen F.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Sellers, Brent A.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Units

  • Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.

Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is SS-AGR-260, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date January 2006. Revised December 2015. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Jason Ferrell, professor; Stephen Enloe, associate professor, Agronomy Department; and Brent Sellers, associate professor, Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Eduation Center; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Stephen Enloe