09-17-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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HERBICIDE TREATMENTS Thine to Apply For larger buckthorn reduction or control projects, some type of chemical treatment is the best control :method. A single stern of buckthorn cut down to the ground and not herbicide -treated will re: -sprout from the stump and grow many new stems up to 8 feet tall in, a single season. "If you cut it, you just anger it," says 1,lorm Erickson, a buckthorn -busting volunteer from Rochester. This aggressive, "Medusa -like" re -growth must be stopped or the plant will soon reach its former size, take up more space, and continue; to out -compete the native plants. It is :important NOT to treat during; the spring -flush growth period, usually Ptlay and June. This is a tune when the planl'is using its stored energy reserves to grow, until the plant is fully leafed out. During the spring -flush, the plant generally does not store energy, it spends energy. Herbicide treatments work best when the plant is transporting; sugars to its root system or is dormant (July through Ma.rch). Summer, autumn, and winter are the three seasons when herbicide treatment is effective. Late September through November is an especially good time, because this is when buckthorn is easiest to identify: leaves remain green and attached while leaves of our native plants are turning color and falling. When using herbicides, always follow label instructions and take recommended safety precautions. Be certain that your herbicide is labeled for your s ite. See page 6 for herbicide suggestions. Cut -Stump Method with herbicide During cutting and brush -hauling operations, stumps are, easily lost wider leaves and debris, particularly in later fall. Ivlarking stump locations with wire; flags (similar to those used by utilities to mark underground wires or pipes) is very helpful when it comes time to locate the stump for treatment after an area has been cleared. Secure the flags well, so they too will not be dragged away with the brush. Stumps can be chemically treated with a paint -brush (single -use foam, brushes work well), a wick applicator, or an ultra. low volume spray wand. Apply chemical to the outermost growth rings immediately under the bark. It is very important that water-based herbicides are applied soon after the cut, Be especially quick to apply herbicide if the air is warm & dry. There is NO NEED to drill holes in the stump and pour chemical as some labels suggest—this over- exposes you and the environment to herbicide. See concentration amounts next page. Frill -Cuts with herbicide 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 - hatchet (a butcher knife will work on small stems). Cut through the bark and cambium ata downward angle with a. series of light, shallow chops around the basal circumference of the tl-ee. These cuts create a frill (bark & wood E ap.). Next, apply herbicide (paint brush or spray) to exposed cut areas and inner bark. Chemical contact with the cambium (the layer just: under the bark) is very important. This is a good method to stop female trees from producing fruit and to minimize e=rosion on slopes (no soil disturbance). If you physically remove all the buckthorn, you set up the site for erosion. Buckthorn can be left standing for bird habitat or as a leafless trellis for native vines. Once dry, standing dead trees can decompose in place or be cut down and used for firewood or wood. working. Basal Bark Treatment with Herbicide When mixed with a diluent (a solvent containing dye that can be mixed with some herbic'.des), ester formulations of Triclopyr can be applied directly to the bark at the base of the Vee to provide effective control. Spray the lowest two feet of bark around the entire circumference of the tree. For diamet=ers 2 inches or less, only one side of the stem needs to be sprayed. This is a fast, effective way of controlling larger trees, up to 6 inches in diameter on large sites. Dead trees can be left standing or cut at a later time. Garlon 4, Crossbow, and Pathfinder II (ready to use), containing the active ingredient Tryclopyr, are effective brand-name chemicals for basal bark treatment.