Fig. 1 – Stem Cut Too High with Unsuccessful Herbicide Treatment
I mentioned that when doing a cut-stump or cut-surface herbicide treatment, it is important to cut the stump as near to the ground as possible. Otherwise the roots of the tree often survive the herbicide treatment and sprout shoots.
Fig. 2 – Stem Cut about 2 Inches above Ground with Successful Herbicide Treatment
I try to cut the stem about two to three inches above ground level.
Fig. 1 shows a stump that was cut approximately eight inches above ground level. My brother and I were working during a winter with pretty deep snow, and we couldn’t easily make the cut at ground level. Although the growth has not been vigorous, the sprouts eventually started appearing.
Fig. 2, on the other hand, shows a stump cut near the ground – about 2 inches above the ground. The treatment was completely successful, and the tree and its roots were killed. These are not isolated examples. Over the years I have seen many examples where high stump cuts resulted in sprouting. I have had virtually 100% success with treatments if the stump is cut sufficiently low to the ground.
