Page 21 - December Newsletter

Control Unwanted Volunteer Trees this WinterBy: Ryan EngelWestern Kansas has a relatively limited variety of trees that perform well in the climate this region experiences. While many of these tree species are desirable and provide numerous services and value for humans and wildlife, some have a few downsides. Trees such as Siberian elm, hackberry, mulberry, and ash are known for seeding out and spreading naturally. While some spread in certain scenarios may be accepted, encroachment throughout a home landscape is typically unwanted. These “volunteer” trees commonly sprout up along fence lines or adjacent to a home’s foundation, with the potential to cause structure damage in the future. In some cases, saplings from desirable species can be dug up and planted in more ideal locations in the yard. Control methods may be necessary if trees cannot be dug and moved or are undesirable species.Mechanical control methods should be a homeowner's first approach to addressing volunteer trees. Saplings of small-seeded species (elm, hackberry, etc.) can often be controlled with repeated mowing when sprouting in a lawn. This method is much less effective for larger-seeded species such as oaks or walnuts. If seedlings are caught early enough, hand-pulling may be an option. Wet soil will make this process much more viable. Be sure to get at least most of the root system when pulling. Some younger trees can also be removed by digging with a shovel or dandelion puller, though this depends on sapling size. In many instances, mechanical control is not an option, and utilizing an herbicide can be quite effective.A cut stump chemical treatment provides adequate control of most trees with a trunk diameter of less than six inches. Before applying herbicide to any sapling, be sure that the sapling is not a “sucker” coming from another tree. Using any herbicide on suckers will damage and possibly kill the original tree. Trees that commonly produce suckers include honey locust, hackberry, cottonwood, willow, and boxelder. After determining a sapling has come from seed and not a sucker, begin by cutting the tree down close to the ground level and brushing away any sawdust. Immediately apply an herbicide treatment to the exposed trunk surface. A paintbrush works well to apply the chemical. Herbicides containing either triclopyr or glyphosate are most commonlyused for this application. Herbicide treatments used to control volunteertrees are commonly undiluted or lightly diluted. Always be sure to readproduct labels before applying any chemical. Regardless of the herbicideused, treating the stump immediately or at least within five minutes ofcutting is essential. Homeowners may be surprised to learn that trees donot need to be actively growing to be controlled. This time of the year is aperfect time to treat volunteer trees as long as applications are madewhen temperatures are above freezing. If homeowners have any questionsabout the process or need help reading herbicide labels, feel free to reachout for more information!Check out Golden Prairie’s Extension Page on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/GoldenPrairieDistrictRyan Engelrpengel@ksu.edu Horticulture Extension Agent