How to Kill Mimosa Saplings

Mimosa trees, also called silk trees, originated in China and were introduced to the United States in the 18th century. They grow 20 to 40 feet tall and, once established, are nearly impossible to kill. Each year, saplings spring up around the parent trees from suckers, which are new plants that sprout off of roots, or from the dormant seeds that fall to the ground. In order to kill these saplings, which can grow over 3 feet in one growing season, you must employ both manual and chemical methods.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Water
• Spade
• Herbicide containing either glyphosate or triclopyr as the main ingredient

Instructions

1. Wet the ground around any small saplings with a hose and some water or wait until the soil is damp from rain. The loosened soil will make the saplings easier to pull out of the ground.

2. Dig under the small saplings with a spade, taking care not to cut the roots. Any root fragments you leave will re-sprout into new saplings.

3. Apply the herbicide to the remaining plants when the temperature is about 65 degrees F. Soak the leaves, which will absorb the chemicals and kill the rest of the plant. Follow the directions on the package and take care not to get the product on other plants.

4. Repeat this process yearly to keep the saplings down.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an adult mimosa in your yard, you may want to consider getting rid of it to avoid repeated yearly treatment of the saplings. To do so, cut down the tree and apply herbicide to the trunk

References

• Florida Invasive Plant Education Initiative
• Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group
• Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council