How to Kill Maple Tree Seedlings on the Lawn
Oftentimes seedlings must be killed, because they have fungal diseases, growing on top of underground utility lines or overcrowding a yard. If they have a fungal disease, you may want to make sure there is no signs of recovery. However, a seeding that has been infested with fungi can cause a threat to your entire yard by spreading the fungal spores. By not cutting them down and leaving a stump or partial root system, you prevent another hospitable environment for diseases or pests. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Prune off all of the branches of the seedling to remove an fungal diseases that can spread to the rest of your ornamental trees. Place the debris in a bag and either throw away or burn.
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Remove the tree's ability to supply the rest of the plant with nutrients by girdling. Use an ax to cut a half an inch around the tree. By cutting this portion of the tree off, you prevent the flow of sap from the roots to the crown which is what the tree uses for nutrients.
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Apply herbicide to the tree. Be sure to thoroughly spray the exposed area of the tree that was cut. Spray the base of the tree well, so that it gets down to the root system.
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Apply a fertilizer with a high amount of nitrogen to burn the tree's root system. Nitrogen will cause severe dehydration to the tree. Make sure you apply around the tree's drip line, so it soaks into the soil.
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Dig a few feet around the tree with a shovel to remove the entire tree after its death. Water the soil to keep it soft and easy to work with. With you hand, expose the root system so you see how far it has grown. Lift underneath the tree to pull it out.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow several weeks to pass or an entire growing season if your tree had a fungal disease before planting in the area.
Make sure you clean your pruning tools with bleach after removing diseased branches to prevent spreading diseases to healthy plants.
