QuestionI am having a big problem with Mullberry Trees in my yard. I cut them down but they keep growing back! Do you know of anything i could use to kill these trees permantly roots and all? Thank you so much Doug
AnswerGood afternoon Douglas:
Only a couple of herbicides effectively control mulberry seedlings.
Because herbicides can damage adjacent vegetation if sprayed haphazardly, apply carefully to leaves of the seedlings using a paintbrush. Paint on glyphosate (Round-Up) herbicide or a broad leaf weed killer such as 2,4-D (Weed-B-Gone).
Reapplication is needed any time a seedling develops new green leaves. Usually the tree roots will die within a year after this treatment. But you may need to apply herbicides for two to three years.
After the roots die, mushrooms might be visible above ground, an indication that the dead tree roots are decomposing.
Always read the label and follow the directions carefully when using a herbicide.
The more herbicide that can be moved into the roots, the better the long-term control will be. Therefore, control with herbicides usually is most effective with early fall treatments when the seedlings are transporting food supplies down to the roots.
Applications in September are best. Spring treatments are least effective, since food reserves are being mobilized in the roots and sent upward to new shoot growth.
If you have mulberry trees close by it will be difficult to eliminate new seedlings. Birds transport the seeds of mulberry in their droppings.
Have a good lawn!
Floyd McMahon