How do you eradicate a pepper tree? if you don't get all the roots will it come back?

Question

I live in SoCal and am trying to kill a pepper tree. There are extensive roots, how much root will result in the tree resurrecting? How to kill it all so it does not rear its ugly head again?

Answer 1

I agree with "Cuesta Roble" with his recommendation of using the active ingredient called Triclopyr. You can find Triclopyr being sold under many names; "Brush-B-Gone" or "Brush/Vegetation Killer" as well as others at your local hardware store.

Cut the tree trunk as close to soil level as possible and immediately apply the Triclopyr + water mixture 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. IF you do have any re-growth, you can spray the shoots with a mixture of Triclopyr + water.

Hope this helps! GOOD LUCK!

(certified professional crop consultant with a degree in plant science)

Answer 2

If you have removed the tree trunk, there is little chance the roots will regrow. If they do, the best product to use on the new sprouts is triclopyr. It is sold as brush-b-gon and is more effective in this situation than glyphosate (round-up).

Answer 3

drive a few copper nails in it and sprat with round-up super consentrate. i have 25 years experence landscaping.