How to kill a tree - Page 2

AutoCadillac · 01-20-06, 01:22

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm just tired of that damn aphid infested, twig dropping, bird hosting monster ruining my freshly detailed cars.

Now, do I have the nerve? That's the question.

Neothin · 01-20-06, 07:22

DO IT!!

What are you planning on putting in it's place? A shrub?

Super · 01-21-06, 03:15

Systematic insecticide sprayed on the tree or applied on the ground will control the aphids for months also get rid of the ants because they harvest aphids. By removing the aphids that will control the sap
To remove the tree legally just do down and ask them you want to plant other one because the tree that's there is a nuisance tree.

wlhump · 01-21-06, 06:19

Pssst....
I knows a woodpecker with very reasonable rates. He's from Jersey so it just a short flight.......
You won't hav'ta pay nuttin, you's just gonna owe the 'family' a favor.

White95Max · 01-21-06, 07:43

Cutting a deep notch around the base of the tree will disrupt the flow of water/nutrients through the vascular tissues of the tree. Without receiving the essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and water, the tissues above the notch will die. This will not happen overnight though. You'll likely see signs of necrosis first. You'll notice leaves wilting and other tissues looking sub-par. Eventually though, the tree will basically starve to death.

Neothin · 01-21-06, 06:43

so dig a little moat around the base of the tree, cut thru the bark below ground level, and then put the dirt back to cover up the "incision" Should work out great.

truzoom · 01-21-06, 07:07

This halloween, dress up like Jason and "accidentally" saw the thing down...

White95Max · 01-21-06, 07:12

Yeah but that's 10 months away. I say just throw some pumpkins in the yard on Valentine's Day and pretend it's October.

chpsk8 · 01-21-06, 07:43

How big is this tree? There are a couple effective ways to kill it. If its pretty big you probably won't be placing the replacement in the exact spot. The best would be to drill a hole at a 45 degree angle down into the heart of the tree, then pout straight concentrated Roud Up into the hole. Filler up every day. It'll be less than a week and that thing will turn on ya. IF you apply it direct into the trunk it won't contaminate the soil.
I'd do it about 12" above grade if the tree is 8" diameter or less. If it's more you can probably go right at grade.

Use the concentrated Roundup, not that premix crap. The concentrate will kill that thing so fast you wan't have a chance to feel guilty. Tell her the aphids must have ate it!

AutoCadillac · 01-23-06, 04:38

To reply to some of the comments and questions left over the weekend.

The tree is Maple and about 40'. I've tried a couple of different sprays, an insecticide and an organic oil/soap spray. Neither were near 100% effective and slim results didn't last long. I imagine it is because I could not reach all the way up the tree. I could probably have it professionally sprayed a couple of times a year but the tree isn't worth the cost IMO.

I plan to replace it with an evergreen. An evergreen will still be a host to birds but at least it won't have branches hanging over our parking area. Plus, it won't drop leaves in the winter to create more work.

klnyc · 01-23-06, 06:27

This one will do it!!

Prometheus · 01-23-06, 07:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

Cutting a deep notch around the base of the tree will disrupt the flow of water/nutrients through the vascular tissues of the tree. Without receiving the essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and water, the tissues above the notch will die. This will not happen overnight though. You'll likely see signs of necrosis first. You'll notice leaves wilting and other tissues looking sub-par. Eventually though, the tree will basically starve to death.

As said, the notch will cut off the vascular tissue because the only usable xylem, (brings water up) is on the outermost layer of live tissue, just under the bark and cork layer. A notch about 3/4 inch in ought to do it. Hope this helps.