Question
QUESTION: After three ficus trees died during a frost in the Phoenix area 4 years ago, my wife and I looked for a tree that would grow fast so we could get our shade back quickly. Someone suggested the sissoo so we planted 2 in the front (surrounded by lawn) and 5 in the back near the back fence (2 ft far) and also near our lawn.
Our neighbor also got excited about it and planted 3 sissoos 2 ft away from the fence that divides our properties.
A few months ago I noticed that one of his trees is lifting the fence and after spending a couple hours ripping our lawn while pulling his tree's roots we decided to get rid of our trees in the backyard.
The guy who cut them soaked the stomps with a killer and they haven't given us any problems but as soon as it started getting warmer we started getting A LOT of saplings growing on our lawn. I spend a couple hours every weekend pulling roots out (and ripping the lawn) only to see more of them grow again during the week.
This week we noticed some saplings coming out of our driveway expansion cracks and in the lawn too.
Finally, the question is: Is there an effective way to get rid of /stop the saplings?

ANSWER: Hi Luis,
Thanx for your question.  At the risk of getting bombarded by the of the politically correct...in one word?  Roundup.  It biodegrades in 24 hours and is very effective in getting to the root and killing the plant from where it begins.  It may take several treatments but I have seen a woman completely clean a yard infested with wild thistle which is very difficult to irradicate, by continuously treating the plants.  Some plants are stronger than others and require two or three applications.  You can spot apply or if you're not worried about contact with other plants, use a sprayer but be very careful with this and do not spray on a windy day.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt response!

Wouldn't Roundup kill our lawn as well?

Again, thank you!

Luis.

ANSWER: Hi Luis,
Thanx for your followup.  Yes, Roundup will kill anything with which it comes into contact, which is why I indicated you can spot treat.  You can spot treat by laying down a protective covering around the areas you don't want affected or, you can put Roundup in a plastic container and use a paint brush to apply it to specific plants.  I know this can be tedious but sometimes this is the best way in order to save other wanted plants.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: I will definitely try that. Thank you.

One last thing. Would it be bad to use the roundup in its concentrated form or should I dilute it according to the label?

Once again, thank you!

Luis.

Answer
Luis,
Always follow the instructions on the label.  Don't deviate.  There are reasons why those instructions are there and Roundup is very poisonous.  I don't mean to sound like a harpie but I don't want you to endanger yourself.  The Roundup will work quite well if you follow the directions on the label.  Remember, it may take several applications before you get the desired results.  I had mulberry saplings that took me forever to kill but my persistence with Roundup, gotter done.  Have a great weekend!
Tom