Question
Mr Hyland - We have cut down trash shrubs and small understory trees behind our home (honeysuckle / other self seeded small trees)
What is the best method to prevent regrowth and keep the area clear - Chemicals applied to the stumps or completely digging out the root system?  Thanks for your help.  Corinne Genis

Answer
The best method is using herbicides to control the unwanted vegetation. I would recommend a herbicide called Roundup. Roundup can be sprayed on the cut surface or the vegetation. (you can actually "paint" the mixture on the freshly cut stumps). The plant will translocate the chemical into the root system and kill the plant. You need to beware that Roundup will kill any green plant it is sprayed on so make sure you do not spray on a windy day OR spray plants not wanting to kill. Read the Roundup label and use only the amount required--more is not necessarily better--if you use more than the label amount you get too quick of a kill and the plant does not translocate the chemical into the root system.