We lost several trees to the drought. One Poplar had an extensive root system. We ground out the stump and now we have 100's of volunteers. How do we kill them without killing all the grass? Or do we sacrifice the grass and replant next year?
Never heard of volunteer trees here. What are they? Is that what you call trees that have seeded themselves?
Editor's Note: Yes, that is a name for them here in the US. I think the poplars that are referred to in this article are growing from the root system and not from seeds. In my neighborhood there are many "volunteer" maple trees growing from seeds.
Hi! Ok, I'm admittedly anti-chemical (used to spray Roundup for a living--did you know it's a neurotoxin?) But you could also do what we do..
We let the little buggers live, even fertilize them. As soon as they are big enough to have an independent root system going, you can dig them up and transplant them, or sell them or give them away. The best way to do that is add the clause "you dig" to your ad!
Fast growing trees like poplar shouldn't take you that long to grow up a bit and you haven't nuked your lawn (or your soil) with anything nasty. Plus, it never hurts to have a few more trees in the yard, or in the world, for that matter. Happy Gardening!
There's a product called Tordun that stops the sprouts from returning on trees that have been cut down. Just bore a hole in the middle of the trunk and pour the product in.
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Request: Getting Rid of Volunteer Trees (07/14/2009)
I have a tree growing out of my children's swing set. It is a new tree this year. How can I dispose of it without using round up?
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Request: Getting Rid of Volunteer Trees
Archived on 07/14/2009
I have a tree growing out of my children's swing set. It is a new tree this year. How can I dispose of it without using Round Up?
Natasha
Feedback:
RE: Getting Rid of a Volunteer Tree
You know, if it's not too big, just dig it up. Make sure to get as much of the roots as you can. (05/20/2007)
By Jess
RE: Getting Rid of a Volunteer Tree
I would saw or lop it down to ground level and drill a hole in the center of the trunk and put salt or stump remover in the center. Get stump remover at Lowe's or Home Depot. (05/22/2007)
By Rasta
RE: Getting Rid of a Volunteer Tree
Try using boiling water mixed with vinegar and pour it on it. It kills weeds and may kill the tree. (05/25/2007)
If you don't have garden tools for heavier cutting, try using a wood-saw, as low to the ground as possible. Also, remember that nothing can grow without leaves. Have the children keep pulling the leaves off it, every time they're there, until you can get it cut down. Then, if any sprouts return, pull them off at their connection to the main trunk/base of the tree. It's likely a nut tree planted by a squirrel or dropped by a bird flying overhead. God bless and help you. (05/28/2007)
