A lot of plants end up developing a woody stem. Such plants include things like thistles, bushes, tree saplings, plants, brush, and trees. Other examples are Tree of heaven saplings, Locust, Willow, and Maple. You might find that it can be hard to keep diseases away from plants with a woody material, but we here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with 3 easy ways you can regulate and control unwanted vegetation growths on your trees.
Cutting Method
One of the easiest things you can do is cut the unwanted vegetation back in order to maintain a healthy development of your plants. This is especially easy for any plants that are 18” or under. You can use regular tools to quickly and effectively prune back any growths you don’t want. You can even do this continuously throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Some tools you can use are a sting trimmer with a metal edge, sickle bar cutter, or yard cutter. If you cut frequently, doing so will also decrease groundhog tunnels.
Spraying Method
Herbicides are a common and easy way to kill any unwanted vegetation. The most ideal time to use this is in the spring. This is the time when plants are starting to develop and catching these things right away will mean less work later on. Alternatively, the fall is another perfect time to spray, but only when tree leaves are still green. If they have already started to turn colour, it’s too late and shouldn’t be done. You should also avoid spraying during any dry periods.
Re-applying frequently is important in order to properly control the development of woody material. As you know, plants like to grow, so one treatment will never be enough. This means that you will probably have to do this yearly in order to contain and manage growth.
When using herbicides, make sure to always follow the instructions on the label carefully. Here are a few herbicide suggestions we have.
Non-Selective Herbicides
This essentially means that nothing is safe from this. Using non-selective herbicides will kill everything they touch. This is because most usually contain the element Gyphosate. The most popular brands are:
-Round-Up Pro
-Kleen-Up
Selective Herbicides
This means that there are some things that will survive if it gets on them, such as turf grasses. But when applied to woody vegetation or broadleaf weeds in the turf, it will kill it but not the turf. As long as you follow the recommendations and instructions on the label. The element found in most of these herbicides is Triclopyr and 2,4-D + Triclopyr. The most popular brands are:
-Garlon
-Crossbow
Cut and Paint Method
For any plants that are taller than 18”, you can cut the vegetation growths down to the trunk by using tools like a string trimmer with a metal edge, hand saw, or loopers. Once you have cut back the growths, make sure to quickly brush undiluted, fully concentrated glyphosate, or round-up pro, on the stumps. By doing this and getting to the inner bark, where it meets the heartwood, will be able to absorb the herbicide easily, preventing future growths around the stump.
By quickly covering the trimmed stumpy area well, it will ensure the herbicide works effectively. If there is too much time between cutting and brushing the herbicide, the tree will start to secrete sap and will wash away the herbicide you brush on. Which can result in future growth.
When you make a fresh cut, the stump is able to easily absorb the herbicide, which is why it is important to immediately apply the herbicide directly to the stump right after cutting it. If you find that the stump has some regrowth, simply apply the herbicide to the new growths.
How Five Star Tree Service Can Help
Doing this tedious task can seem daunting at times. But it is an easy task to do when you come prepared with the right tools and equipment. If you are in need of some Tree Care in Toronto, give our team at Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355 and we can send our team over to assist you in maintaining your tree’s woody appendage. You can also learn more on our website!