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How to kill saplings?

Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Gina B, Mar 23, 2011.

  1. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    We have a patio and realized last year that there are two trees coming up between the back wall and the cement patio. I chopped them but they were too strong to pull out by the roots.
    The chopping just made them happier this year.
    A week ago I poured Ortho Max week killer, a ton of it down between there to soak the roots and totally covered the part above it with foam from it.

    They're still growing.

    I don't know what type they are and am not familiar with what grows out here, but the bottoms are getting way too big and there's already a crack in the cement.

    Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to kill them off? They refuse to DIE!
     
  2. glfredrick

    glfredrick New Member

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    This can be a tough problem. There are things that can be done, but alas, the "really good stuff" pesticide that will wipe out entire trees is off-limits to homeowners, as it also wipes out almost everything else it comes into contact with, including the person doing the spraying.

    I suggest waiting until the tree leafs out, then applying Roundup directly to the leaves instead of onto the stump and bark. Neither have the capacity to "uptake" a herbicide systemically so that it will kill the roots and eliminate the tree. As the Roundup does its work, the leaves will brown over and the tree will slowly die. Then, after a couple of weeks, you can cut it down and it should not return.

    The alternative is to dig out the stump, pour a bag of charcoal into the hole, and roast some marshmallows while it does its work.

    Note: I am a certified pesticide operator and applicator, and I manage the grounds of Southern Seminary. Been down this road more often than you can count.
     
  3. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    The key is the desire of your heart. You need to decide that these are important saplings - vital to the joy of your heart. You will promise to nurture them and care for them forever. If you do that, I guarantee that they'll die.
     
  4. Thousand Hills

    Thousand Hills Active Member

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    Just borrow a couple of goats from somebody and tie them up near your patio somewhere. They like sapplings. :smilewinkgrin:
     
  5. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    When I cut down trees, I pour javex directly on the remaining stump. It is gone in short order........a huge tree trunk,,say 3-4 feet takes a few years.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  6. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    Just use some Spectrocide or Roundup for grass and weeds. They will kill anything.

    Also, you can try gasoline, paint thinner or that type of thing.

    Bleach will kill lots of stuff too.
     
  7. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    There's your problem. You killed the week instead of the weed.

    :smilewinkgrin:
     
  8. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    Have you tried Round up?
     
  9. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    I wondered why on earth this week has been so insanely wrong. ROFL!

    Ann, why oh why did that not occur to me?! It's so very logical! :BangHead:

    Thanks for all the advice everyone. I look forward to getting rid of the buggers! Now to wait for the leaves. Mwah ha ha ha ha!
     
  10. Gwen

    Gwen Active Member

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    Pour some boiling water on them. That should do it! And no herbicides to pollute anything else. :)
     
  11. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    That would be awesome. I hope it works. I generally won't use non-organic stuff and was sad to try what I did since I do let some tiny flowers and some morning glories grow there and we enjoy watching those morning glories in the...well, morning!

    If this works I'll replant the other stuff and be oh-so-happy!
     
  12. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    As long as we have plant people on here, here's another question! This may also answer what these could be?

    I can't identify these trees in Oklahoma! The one I'm looking at is very tall and has a trunk that reminds me of birch, but it has these balls on it. Lots of them. They're a little smaller than a ping pong ball and look rough, but when you step on one and break it, all those little bits that look rough appear to the end of a puffy seed. If you step on one, you automatically have what appears to be a huge pile of dandelion-fluff like seeds, it's like they're all compressed into a ball. I was really shocked to step on one and see just how much it contained!

    Any clue on what on earth this tree is? They're all over the place here and I've never seen them in other states.
     
  13. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    If it's a sycamore, we have them here!! Is this what you're talking about?

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildnfreenhappy/3547777412/
     
  14. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    YES! YAY! I've been wondering a long time. Now I'll have to go see if those crazy pods are good for anything. LOL There are soooo many.
     
  15. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    Try copper sulfate.
     
  16. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    OH boy, I need sleep,,, I first saw the thread and thought it said, "How to kill SIBLINGS".. LOL
     
  17. Steadfast Fred

    Steadfast Fred Active Member

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    Drill a couple 1/4 inch holes in the saplings (as close to the ground as possible) at an angle. pour table salt in those holes.

    It will kill them.
     
  18. Steadfast Fred

    Steadfast Fred Active Member

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    And so you came in...

    We'll pray for you tinytim. LOL
     
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