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HERBICIDE TREATMENTS <br /> Tiime to Apply <br /> For larger buckthorn reduction or control projects,some type of chemical treatment is the best control method, A <br /> single stem of buckthom cut down to the ground and not herbicide-treated will re-sprout from the stump and grow <br /> many new stems up to 8 feet tall in a single season."If you cut it,you just anger it,"says Norm Erickson,a <br /> buckthorn-busting volunteer from Rochester.This aggressive,"Medusa-like"re-growth must be stopped or the plant <br /> will soon reach its former size,take up more space,and continue to out-compete the native plants. <br /> It is important NOT to treat during the spring-flush growth period,usually May and June. This is a time when the <br /> plant.is using its stored energy reserves to grow,until the plant is fully leafed out. During the spring-flush,the plant <br /> generally does not store energy,it spends energy. Herbicide treatments work best when the plant is transporting <br /> sugars to its root system or is dormant(July through March). Summer,autumn,and winter are the three seasons <br /> when herbicide treatment is effective. Late September through November is an especially good time,because this is <br /> when buckthorn is easiest to identify: leaves remain green and attached while leaves of our native plants are turning <br /> color and falling. <br /> When using herbicides,always follow label instructions and take recommended safety precautions.Be certain that <br /> your herbicide is labeled for your site.See page 6 for herbicide suggestions. <br /> Cut-Stump Method with herbicide <br /> During cutting and brush-hauling operations,stumps are easily lost under leaves and debris,particularly in later fall. <br /> Marking stump locations with wire flags(similar to those used by utilities to mark underground wires or pipes)is <br /> very helpful when it comes time to locate the stump for treatment after an area has been cleared. Secure the flags <br /> well,so they too will not be dragged away with the brush. <br /> Stumps can be chemically treated with a paint-brush(single-use foam brushes work well),a wick applicator,or an <br /> ultra low volume spray wand. Apply chemical to the outermost growth rings immediately under the bark. It is very <br /> important that water-based herbicides are applied soon after the cut, 13e especially quick to apply herbicide if the air <br /> is warm&dry. There is NO NEED to drill holes in the stump and pour chemical as some labels suggest—this over- <br /> exposes you and the environment to herbicide. See concentration amounts next page. <br /> Frill-Cuts with herbicide <br /> Frill cuts can be made on any size stem and are made by wounding the bark at the base of the plant with an axe or <br /> hatchet(a butcher knife will work on small stems).Cut through the bark and cambium at a downward angle with a <br /> series of light,shallow chops around the basal circumference of the tree. These cuts create a frill(bark&wood <br /> flap). Next,apply herbicide(paint brush or spray)to exposed cut areas and inner bark.Chemical contact with the <br /> cambium(the layer just under the bark)is very important. This is a good method to stop female trees from <br /> producing fruit and to minimize erosion on slopes(no soil disturbance). If you physically remove all the buckthorn, <br /> you set up the site for erosion.Buckthorn can be left standing for bird habitat or as a leafless trellis for native vines. <br /> Once dry,standing dead trees can decompose in place or be cut down and used for firewood or wood working. <br /> Basal Bark Treatment with Herbicide <br /> When mixed with a diluent(a solvent containing dye that can be mixed with some herbic:des),ester formulations of <br /> Triclopyr can be applied directly to the bark at the base of the tree to provide effective control. Spray the lowest two <br /> feet of bark around the entire circumference of the tree. For diameters 2 inches or less,only one side of the stem <br /> needs to be sprayed. This is a fast,effective way of controlling larger trees up to 6 inches;in diameter on large sites. <br /> Dead trees can be left standing or cut at a later time. Garlon 4,Crossbow,and Pathfinder II(ready to use), <br /> conaining the active ingredient Tryclopyr,are effective brand-name chemicals for basal bark treatment. <br /> 5 <br />