Using Roundup to kill a tree and its roots???

Question

Hi, I am planning on cutting a tree and applying Roundup on the stump to kill the tree and its roots. Since the tree is so large and old and its roots run so deep & all over the place, we have decided to leave the roots in the ground and hope that they'll decay on their own overtime. My question is if we leave the roots killed by Roundup in the ground, will the herbicide reamain in the roots and kill other plants that we do want growing near and over the tree roots if their roots happen to grow into the dead or decaying tree roots?????? I am concerned for the health of my other plants and grass...any advice???

My tree roots are out of control and many of them are near the surface of the soil and in some parts, the thick roots are above the soil level....my grass and other plants that I do want do have roots very close and even touching the tree roots.

Answer 1

Rather than using Roundup, I'd suggest you use one of the other products found at your local hardware store that contains the active ingredient; "Triclopyr". As "Ed" mentioned, you can find it in Ortho's "Brush-Killer" or one of the other products if you look close enough.

When you cut the tree, immediately place the "Triclopyr" onto the cut stump by either brushing OR spraying it on within 10 minutes. Whenever a tree is cut, it begins to heal itself by emitting a fluid over the wound... so you'll want to apply the "Triclopyr" + water mixture as soon as possible.

I'd suggest you use some "spreader-sticker" with the mixture to allow better penetration into the cut surface. (An alternative is to add a few drops of dish soap to the mix once mixing is completed).

Once your tree is killed, your roots will gradually shrink and decompose. I wouldn't be concerned with secondary exposure of the "Triclopyr" to neighboring plants and grasses.

Hope this helps! GOOD LUCK!

(professional crop consultant with degree in plant sciences)

Answer 2

Round-up works by absorption into a growing plant. It is made to be used on leaves, but be careful when spraying that it doesn't drift onto something you do not want to kill. It can be absorbed through bark on a tree or shrub, and definitely watch your grass or ornamentals in the vicinity.

Better choice is to by a "stump remover" type product. Get it at any nursery or hardware store. You drill holes, pour it in and wait for eternity to pass.

There is also the option of using an auger to drill right down the middle to remove most of the stump. You didn't mention what kind of tree it is. Some trees are surface rooted, like Cedars and many conifers, where others have deep tap root. Tell the clerk what kind of tree you have, and they can direct you to the right product. Good luck!

Answer 3

How To Kill Tree Roots

Answer 4

I have killed small trees with Roundup. All you have to do is to cut of the tree so you end up with a stump and paint the stump (on the cut surface only) with straight Roundup do not dilute. The trick is to have the roundup ready and paint immediately. Once you cut the tree the air immediately starts to seal over the wound.

If you think Roundup is not strong enough (Roundup is only glyphosate), get a different brand with two different types of glyphosate in it. There are plenty of stronger plant killers available at farm chemical depots but the stronger they are the more toxic they are and you would want to know if any residual will stay in ground or roots. They will be able to give you advice.

Answer 5

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RE:
Using Roundup to kill a tree and its roots???
Hi, I am planning on cutting a tree and applying Roundup on the stump to kill the tree and its roots. Since the tree is so large and old and its roots run so deep & all over the place, we have decided to leave the roots in the ground and hope that they'll decay on their own overtime. My...

Answer 6

Sorry most Round-up purchased over the counter is a very duluted type. This tree roots in Northern CA where I live has not had good luck to kill with even non-duluted Round-up.
Some of the better Round-up or refered to as High end type:
Round-up Pro Sold as High as $150.00 for just 1/2 Gallon. Dry formally.
Sold to Landscape Contractors,Farmers, other Lic. pest Control Company;
Some other ways to get rid of the Roots not totally effect either Helps:
1)- Get either a saws All with the wood cut blade, good Skill saws,
very Sharp chain saw- Note However not good cutting into Dirt.
When this is done there needs to be several cuts down to surface roots at and angle or sometimes called V-Cuts:
The reason for this is to cut down on new roots popping up Shoots from old Tree stock. That gets Nutrients from soil dampness. Plus you also need to know there is possible that some trees as they die off at roots.
May cause fungus to sprout up in either the spring or Fall.
With spores or mushrooms like these are very toxic. Spray with recommendend Fungus sprays purchased from your local Retail Garden outlet in your area.:
2)- Rent or get a Tree Specialist Arboretist that has a Stump Grinder. This way they can cut more of the surface roots.
Then some other suggestion is possibly call in Landscape Contractor to assit in your area to further help if this can be worked out in your Budget.
If you have a good Community College Resorce with Ag.
Dept. or some called Enviromental Dept. call them and see if they may have students in the OH- Field for a cousultation.
As a studen intern programs. Check also with your local Nursery Garden Dept. Some County or Ag. Extinion Service thru your College or some University have some free checks as a consummer out reach programs. This can also help at times.
However again this deepends where you live for some of these services of Help; Good Luck- Good Gardenning:

Answer 7

Read the label on Roundup, I was not aware that tree killing was one of the applications. Tree roots go much deeper than roots of grasses and most bushes, so I do not think it would cause you any problem.

Answer 8

Roberto is right. Round up works by absorbing through the leaves, just like the nutrients that it absorbs through sunlight. It probably won't work any faster than just cutting the tree down and allowing the root system die off naturally. I have heard of people boaring large holes in the stump and pouring diesel fuel in the holes, letting them soak and light them on fire. It will probably burn for quite some time but this will affectively kill the root system and get rid of the stump at the same time.

Answer 9

Round up won't work that way. It needs to be sprayed on the leaves when it is actively growing. I got rid of some lilac bushes with some stuff that was used in septic tanks to eat out tree roots. I drilled holes in the stumps and pored the stuff in the holes. I got the stuff at Ag-way or a good hardware store.

Answer 10

Look for brush killer in the garden department. Mine says it will kill stumps, but warns that the stump must be fresh cut.

Instructions say to brush it on the stump. I have better luck if I drill 1/2" holes in the stump, and pour the stuff in. When doin this on old stumps, it has killed them too.

It will take a long time for the roots to rot out.