How to Kill Cedar Salt Tree Roots in a Yard With Grass

Just because a salt cedar tree (Tamarix) is cut down, doesn't mean that it is dead. Roots and stumps produce new growth, referred to as suckers, that can eventually grow into full-sized trees. Growing mainly in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7, the salt cedar is considered invasive due to its root sucker propagation, as well the abundance of seeds produced. To prevent the potential problem of root suckers regrowing a tree where you just cut one down, you must kill the root system without killing surrounding vegetation, such as your lawn. This is accomplished with a herbicide focused solely on the trunk, allowing the chemical to do its work from the inside.

Pruning shears
Knife or axe
Pre-mix glyphosate
Paint brush
Wide-mouthed container

Instructions

- 1
  Snip off any sucker growth with pruning shears.
- 2
  Notch the surface of the salt cedar trunk with a knife or axe near the bark if it is an older stump, and not a freshly cut tree. The cuts opens the surface to allow the chemical to soak in more quickly. The material will need to enter the tree's vascular system, which is located in the inner bark of the tree.
- 3
  Pour a pre-mixed herbicide, such as glyphosate, into a small container with a wide mouth. Glyphosate kills by working through the stalk and root system of a plant, but becomes inert when it comes in contact with the soil. It won't cross from one root system to another and kill your grass. According to the Department of Ecology of the State of Washington, both triclopyr and glyphosate are effective in killing salt cedar stumps, eliminating sprout issues. Triclopyr is more effective in killing stumps, but can be absorbed by roots through the ground, so it should be used cautiously to prevent any spills. Dilute triclopyr before use adding 1 part triclopyr to 1 part water.
- 4
  Dip a brush into the wide-mouthed container and brush the chemical onto the stump, making sure to coat near the inner edge of the bark . Applying glyphosate in this manner prevents you from spraying the surrounding lawn area, and killing it.
- 5
  Repeat the process each time new growth appears until suckers no longer develop from the trunk or roots.

What Percentage of Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium to Use on Lawns

Grub Sprays vs. Granules

Lawn Maintenance