Common Methods

Cut-Stump herbicide

Ideal for large, woody-stem vegetation, or in areas of high sensitivity. A stem is cut off near ground level, then a concentrated herbicide (Glyphosate or Triclopyr) is applied to the stump. On large stumps, herbicide only needs to be applied to the outer cambium layer. This method can be applied in all seasons except during spring sap flow.

Basal Bark

Ideal for large, single-stem, woody vegetation. An herbicide is applied to the lowest 12-18’’ of a stem. The herbicide is absorbed through the bark, killing the plant. This method can be utilized year round, with restrictions being snow (can’t access the base of the stem) and wet stems (herbicide does not adhere to the bark).

Foliar

Ideal for herbaceous plants, small woody-stem vegetation, or any area where off-target drift is less of a concern. An herbicide is applied to the foliage of the plant, which is then absorbed into the rest of the plant. This method can only be used when leaves are on, or plants are growing.

Mechanical

This method is implemented in a few key situations. Where woody-stem vegetation has grown so thick that it is nearly impenetrable, mechanical treatments (skid-steer mulcher, chainsaw, or brush cutter) can either remove the plant entirely, or cut access lanes for other methods. It can also be used for landowners who wish to not use herbicide. Mechanical treatment does require some sort of follow-up, either with herbicide, RX fire, more mechanical treatment, or a combination of these.

Prescribed Fire/Pile Burning

Similar to mechanical treatments, RX fire is implemented in a few key situations, as it relates to invasive plant management. RX fire can be used in grassland areas to remove thatch, making it easier to spot young invasive sprouts and treat them. While fire is able to kill some young seedlings, most plants will re-sprout. Some form of follow-up treatment is necessary.

Pile burning is a great tool to reduce invasive plant biomass, as well as destroy seed.