How to kill a tree

AutoCadillac · 01-20-06, 08:35

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to kill a tree secretly?

Let's just say to preserve marital harmony, I'd like a tree rubbed out but it to not be obvious. It is on my property and killing it would in no way be illegal. I just want to get rid this particular tree.

If you have any suggestions, please post. Thanks.

Setec Astronomy · 01-20-06, 08:43

Why take on this responsibility yourself? I would hire a tree hitman.

But seriously, I think anything that would kill the tree is going to kill the grass around it too, leaving a trail to the crime...

Danase · 01-20-06, 08:48

They have tree root killer at any local hardware store. That should do it.

Setec Astronomy · 01-20-06, 08:51

I thought that stuff wasn't supposed to harm the tree?

kompressornsc · 01-20-06, 08:53

Don't know if it works for all trees, but we use to drive copper nails into Cottonwood trees to kill them. Not real obvious either. Growing up, our neighborhood was full of them and they make a huge mess. I don't remember seeing many of them in my teens.

You can also girdle a tree-cut a notch all the way around it thorouh the bark-all of the nutrients travel up the layer right under the bark (If I had paid more attention in Biology, I could tell you what that layer is). A lot more obvious though.

*not that I'm advocating killing trees...but....

AutoCadillac · 01-20-06, 08:59

After the tree is dead and then removed, I'd like to plant another tree in the area so I'm concerned using chemicals would harm the soil for another tree so root killer might be ruled out. I dunno that for sure so I'll read a label and look for copper nails.

4830Deuce · 01-20-06, 09:08

My dad over fertilized a pretty good size tree in our yard last summer and killed it. He used that thing that u hook up to a hose then stick in the ground....put a little tablet thing in it or something....ill do it for 20 grand, plus the price of materials for the hit....

-Justin

Danase · 01-20-06, 09:12

http://forestry.about.com/od/silvicu..._tree_real.htm

The Beef · 01-20-06, 11:11

try drilling some holes and pour some salt water in the holes. Make it stout though.

Dave N · 01-20-06, 11:21

Hmmm, I'm sensing "gift from in-laws"....

zippymbr · 01-20-06, 11:41

Round-up! a gallon of this stuff should do the trick. It will take some time but the dammage will be irreversable,

Setec Astronomy · 01-20-06, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippymbr

Round-up! a gallon of this stuff should do the trick. It will take some time but the dammage will be irreversable,

Roundup is supposed to be sprayed on the foliage...but you're right, it should work, should be able to target that specific tree without any collateral damage, if careful.

PS I know this works, because years ago one fall I had a tree guy clear some area at work and he said to call him every spring and he would spray Roundup down to keep the area clear. Next spring I called him and he said he didn't do that anymore, because they didn't clean out their sprayer tank and then sprayed some trees...