Whether a tree is an annoyance, an eyesore, or you just want to plant another plant at a related point, there are many reasons to cut down trees on your land. Usually, the cost of professional services is very high. For that, there are various ways to kill disturbing trees so that they can be cut down later when they are dead.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Girdling Technique
Step 1. Remove loose tree bark
The girdling technique is a method of killing trees by interfering with the flow of sap between the roots and the crown of the tree. You can apply girdling with or without chemicals or herbicides, but it can take several months for the tree to die completely. Start by pulling the loose bark of the tree so that the trunk is easier to access. It's best to peel the tree bark at a width of about 10-13 cm.
You are free to determine the height of the tree to work with so choose a convenient point
Step 2. Put on safety gear
You have a variety of options when it comes to how to make the cut. You can use a chainsaw, ax, machete, or even a wood chisel for thin-skinned trees. Take the necessary safety precautions before using cutting tools, including wearing protective eyewear.
Step 3. Cut around the tree
The depth of cut depends on the thickness of the tree. For very thin trees, you can cut about 1 cm into the wood while strong trees need to be cut to a depth of 2.5-4 cm. Try to make the cuts as even as possible when surrounding the tree.
Step 4. Make a second cut around the tree
For the girdling technique to work effectively, you'll need a second cut that goes around the tree. The distance between the two pieces should be approximately 5-10 cm. The depth of the second cut should be the same as the first cut.
If you're using an ax or machete that makes it difficult to cut accurately horizontally, it's a good idea to cut a groove in the tree. To create a groove, cut a downward slant followed by an upward slash so that the two pieces meet in the middle. For small trees, it is recommended that the groove width around this circumference be as small as 5 cm, while the groove should be 15-20 cm wide on large trees. Make grooves with the same depth as the usual girdling technique
Step 5. Use herbicides
If you decide to use a herbicide, it's best to apply it to the cut 5-10 minutes after it's made before the section dries and hardens. Using herbicides on a belt can kill a tree within 6 weeks while if you don't use chemicals it can take months.
- Herbicides that are effective and easily available include glyphosate (Roundup or Killzall) and triclopyr (Garlon or Brush B Gon).
- Mix the herbicide well according to the manufacturer's instructions for use and apply it to the cut using a spray bottle.
- You should mix the herbicide before working on the tree so that it can be applied to the cutting as soon as possible.
- Read labels carefully before mixing and using herbicides.
- Wear eye protection, long sleeves and pants, gloves, and closed-toed shoes when handling herbicides.
Step 6. Wait
You have now blocked the flow of sap in the tree and introduced the herbicide into the root system. So, you can only wait for now.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Hack and Squirt Method
Step 1. Prepare an ax or machete
If you plan to use herbicides on trees, the hack and squirt method can be just as effective as girdling, but it's easier to work with. The hack and squirt method uses precise slashes that will be smeared with herbicide instead of peeling around the tree. Start by preparing an ax or machete.
Step 2. Mix the herbicide in a spray bottle
In the hack and squirt method, you don't need to cut as much as the girdling method, but you'll still be using the same herbicide. Read the entire herbicide label to determine the dosage. Mix the herbicide in a spray bottle before starting to cut.
- The types of herbicides that are effective and easily available include glyphosate (Roundup or Killzall) and triclopyr (Garlon or Brush B Gon).
- Wear protective clothing, such as protective eyewear, sleeves and trousers, and gloves before applying the herbicide.
Step 3. Make a cut down towards the tree bark
Use an ax or machete to cut the tree trunk down about 5 cm long. This cut should be deep enough to reach the brightly colored sap so the herbicide can enter effectively.
Step 4. Spray the herbicide onto the cut
Once you've cut, pull the ax or machete head to the edge of the cut instead of all the way out. Then, use a spray bottle to spray the herbicide down the side of the cleaver so it can seep into the gummy interior of the cut.
- Make sure you spray the herbicide as soon as possible before the softwood in the cut has dried or hardened.
- Read the herbicide package for the recommended dosage for each piece.
- You can also use a variety of injectors made specifically for this reason if you need to handle multiple trees.
Step 5. Repeat the cut down as directed
Herbicide manufacturers usually provide guidance on the number of cuts that need to be made based on the circumference of the tree. Most trees require additional cutting 2.5-7.5 cm from edge to edge.
Step 6. Continue adding the herbicide for each cut
For each cut in the trunk that the herbicide manufacturer recommends, it's a good idea to add the same amount of herbicide. Continue to use the injector or the flat side of the ax or machete to spray the herbicide into the tree cuttings.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Trees and Dealing with Stumps
Step 1. Implement security measures
Unlike the other methods of leaving the tree standing, this method involves trimming the tree so it is best suited if the tree is blocking your view or you want to get rid of it for some reason immediately. Since the tree will be felled, start by implementing all safety measures that involve using a chainsaw and securing the area where the tree falls.
Step 2. Mix the herbicide
As with other herbicide methods, you need to coat the cutting with glyphosate or triclopyr immediately after the tree is cut. Read the label on the herbicide before mixing it in a spray bottle and cutting down trees.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, and long sleeves before handling herbicides
Step 3. Cut the tree
For small trees, the fall zone is much smaller and easier to secure, but if you're dealing with large trees, it's a good idea to take further safeguards before cutting down the tree. Read how to uproot a tree for more information.
For large trees, you should use the services of a professional
Step 4. Apply a coat of herbicide to the top of the tree stump
Many people do not know that cutting a tree alone does not kill the root system. Often times, the root system will grow new shoots. You can prevent this by applying herbicide to the tree stump.
For small trees, you can layer the entire trunk cross. For large trees, the hardened center of the tree won't absorb the herbicide so you can coat it with herbicide in the outer ring where you can still see the brightly colored sap
Tips
- Dead trees will eventually fall once their root system weakens, which is good. Even if invasive root systems are no longer a problem, trees still need to be felled just in case.
- Other methods such as over-pruning a tree can produce the same results as cutting down a tree, only that the stump is not processed. The root system will grow new shoots.
- Whether you are working on a stump or cutting down a tree after it dies, the trunk should be removed for safety reasons. You can learn more about removing tree stumps in this article.
