Juniper Control With a Propane Torch

Research the positive and negative effects of juniper growth. Although junipers can be very ornamental in both home and commercial landscaping and provide habitats for many smaller animals, they are also responsible for outbreaks of allergy attacks, contribute to soil erosion by overpowering and eradicating other plants, and can overrun pastures and field crop growth needed to sustain livestock.

Study the alternative techniques for controlling juniper growth. Chemical techniques can be expensive and harm natural plants and wildlife. Mowing and cutting, also known as shearing, will only provide a temporary control as the juniper will continue to grow if the roots are left intact. A popular elimination method is to burn young junipers that are less than 4 feet tall with a propane torch. This eliminates the plant completely and allows nature to recycle the ash as fertilizer and re-enrich the soil. One of the main reasons that junipers are so out of control is that man has dramatically reduced the number of natural wild fires that had eliminated the overgrowth in the past. By re-introducing fire as a means of plant control, you are using one of nature's finest methods of reducing unwanted shrubs and trees and recycling the waste for future growth of more desirable foliage.

Burn the young junipers with a propane flame with care so as not to start unnecessary wildfires. Conduct the eliminations during rainy or damp periods when moisture levels are high to eliminate the spread of fire. Do not use this method with plants that are close to buildings, highly flammable items, vehicles, animals or gas tanks. The downside of the propane-burning method as opposed to the use of herbicides or shearing is that it can be very labor intensive, cumbersome and slow, but the application is approximately 90 percent effective and returns the soil to a natural, environmentally friendly state.