How to Kill Palmetto Bushes

Palmetto is a large family of plants that includes both trees and bushes. All the species in the group are native to tropical and subtropical regions of America. Palmetto bushes include the scrub palmetto (Sabal etonia) and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Palmetto foliage is alternate and evergreen, growing in a fanlike or palmately compound form. If you need to kill an unwanted palmetto bush, the best way is to use herbicide.

Glyphosate
Axe
Stump grinder

Instructions

- 1
  Select an herbicide containing glyphosate for killing a palmetto bush, recommends the Washington State University Extension. Choose an undiluted, water-soluble formula. This will be more effective than oil-soluble esters.
- 2
  Spray the herbicide evenly on the bush foliage. This foliar treatment may be used on bushes up to 15 feet tall.
- 3
  Cover the bush from all sides with herbicide, but do not drench the leaves to the point of runoff. Avoid using glyphosate on very hot days or on plants that are severely drought stressed.
- 4
  Avoid spraying the plant if there is a chance of rain within six hours of application. Though you can use glyphosate at any time of the year, the most effective time is during August and September. Repeat treatment in seven to 10 days.
- 5
  Cut down the dead bush with an axe. Use a stump grinder to grind the stump to a depth of 1 foot below the soil line.

How to Take Cuttings From Vines

How to Get Rid of a Bamboo Tree

Growing Jasmine