What is the best, safest way to kill off saplings that are now about 1/2" in dia.? The roots have grown too deep for me to pull or dig out and when I snip them down to the ground they came back with multiple branches. Please share your experiences with me. Thank you in advance.
I would use concentrated round up poison ivy spray 1 and one half the recommended dosage. It's yellow and white label on white bottle. Spray only the leaves and they will die. Let it sit for a while. Maybe a second dose. Then you can cut the dang thing down without the worry of them resprouting.
Thank you, waretrop. I though about Round up, but wasn't sure on how to go about using it or which "flavor". My first thought was to cut the little sap to below ground level and spray the top of the stem to what was left and cover it up with saran wrap then push dirt over it to keep kids and pets from encountering the poison. I did try some broadleaf poison (not sure the brand) that I bought at the local farm store and all it did was ruffle the leaves that fell off then new ones grew. I'll try Roundup. Thanks again!
You can cut the saplings, leaving about 1/2" above ground, then paint the stump with a concentrated high nitrogen liquid fertilizer (Scott's or Superthrive come to mind, but there are other brands.) This won't be toxic to pets or children. Sometimes in the case of a particularly obstinate sapling, two applications may be needed.
