How to Kill Thornbushes

Thornbush (Lycium exsertum) is a desert shrub that grows on rocky hillsides, desert plains and washes at altitudes of 2,000 to 4,000 feet in its native habitat. The plant has a mature height and spread of about 8 feet wide with oval-shaped, 1/2- to 3/4-inch-long foliage. Thornbush blooms with white to purple, bell-shaped, 1/2-inch flowers from January to April followed by 1/4-inch-long, red berries. If you need to kill a thornbush in the landscape, the best method is to use a recommended herbicide.

Glyphosate
Ax
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Use herbicide with the active ingredient glyphosate for killing thornbush, advises the Washington State University Extension. Select undiluted, water-soluble formulas as these have greater efficacy as compared to esters.
- 2
  Spray the herbicide on the foliage of the thornbush. This is referred to as foliar treatment and the method may be used on shrubs up to heights of 15 feet.
- 3
  Coat all leaves evenly and cover from all sides. Do not drench the foliage to the point of runoff. The best time to use glyphosate is during August and September.
- 4
  Avoid using herbicide on very hot days or on plants that are severely drought stressed. Repeat application after seven to 10 days. The chemical is translocated to the roots and will gradually kill the bush from root.
- 5
  Cut and discard the bush after it is dead. Use a shovel or hoe to dig out the stumps. If stumps are too large, grind these to a depth of about 1-foot below the soil line.

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