How to Effectively Kill Oleander Shrubs

Oleander shrubs are tough evergreen plants capable of growing up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide. They are adorned by colorful blooms and tolerate both extreme heat and drought conditions. Unfortunately, they are also incredibly poisonous. For this reason, many parents and pet owners aren't comfortable having oleander shrubs in the landscape. Getting rid of the plants isn't as simple as digging them up because they often continue to re-emerge from roots left in the ground. Total elimination of oleanders requires both physical and chemical means. More than one attempt may be necessary for complete success.

Protective gloves
Long-sleeved shirt
Pruning saw
Plant sprayer
Glyphosate herbicide
Liquid dishwashing detergent
Fine granular fertilizer
Spade

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a pair of protective gloves and a long-sleeved shirt before beginning.
- 2
  Trim the oleander shrub's branches back as close to the ground as possible with a pruning saw.
- 3
  Monitor the oleander stump closely for signs of new growth, which will likely take one to three weeks to appear.
- 4
  Fill a plant sprayer with 1 gallon of glyphosate herbicide, 1 tbsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent and 2 tbsp. of fine granular plant fertilizer.
- 5
  Put on protective gloves and clothing before applying the herbicide.
- 6
  Spray the newly developed oleander growth until it is dripping wet. Make the application when little chance of rain is predicted for the following two to three days. Take care not to spray surrounding plants because they may also be damaged by the herbicide.
- 7
  Water the stump thoroughly after the foliage has turned completely brown, which works to stimulate new growth if any part of the shrub survived the first herbicide application.
- 8
  Continue to monitor the stump for signs of new foliage. Repeat the application of glyphosate if new growth occurs.
- 9
  Dig around the stump with a sharp spade until it is loose enough to be lifted from the soil after new growth stops and the stump begins to decompose.

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