Does Herbicide Kill Privet Hedges?

Cut-stump Treatment

• Cut-stump herbicide treatments require cutting the privet low to the ground and immediately applying the herbicide to the cut of each stem. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommends using a glyphosate herbicide or triclopyr amine concentrate herbicide with at least 41 percent active ingredient. Cut the privet close to the ground using a chain saw or pruning saw and wipe away the sawdust that accumulates, then paint the cuts with the herbicide.

Basal Bark Treatment

• According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, basal bark treatments are "extremely effective on privet" even though they may take several months. To apply this method, spray the bottom 15 inches of the privet trunks with the herbicide to the point where each stem or trunk is wet but not dripping. Mississippi State University warns that this type of treatment, although effective, is most effective on privet with stems 6 inches or less in diameter.

Frill Application Treatments

• Another option for getting rid of pesky privet hedges using herbicides is by making frill applications. This method relies on you making cuts in the outer layer of bark and cambium of the privet stems and painting the wounds directly with the herbicide. The herbicide works its way through the plants via the cuts and wounds. Use a sharp knife or hatchet to inflict the wounds on the stems.

Herbicide Options and Considerations

• Both the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Mississippi State University recommend glyphosate herbicides for the treatment of hedges. However, ACES recommends a product with at least 41 percent glyphosate while Mississippi State recommends using an imazapyr and glyphosate herbicide for cut-stump and frill treatments. Other recommended herbicides include a 20-percent triclopyr solution or a 3- to 4-percent 2,4-D and 2,4-DP solution for basal, cut-stump and frill treatments. Follow-up treatments are necessary and sometimes must be aggressive to successfully control privet. Foliar treatments are effective for follow ups.