Yesterday I finally finished my bushhogging on the "Strawfield".
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/IMG_4890~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1701002092)
This was a 5 acre opening that was not cut last year so there were many 4'-6' Sweetgum and Persimmon sprouts.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/IMG_4891~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1701002095)
It looks good now but how to keep it that way?
Do I walk through and spot spray each stump/stub as they are now, or wait until Spring and spray the foliage. I would use 2,4D Amine on the foliage but what would I use now? I would prefer to spray now because who knows what the timing would be in the Spring.
I know that full strength Roundup would kill the stumps but that would be expensive. Surely there is something that I could dilute and still produce a reliable 100% kill? Maybe even diluted Roundup? I will use dye to keep me from repeating or overlooking an area.
Anyway I need advice.
I have never tried to kill the stuff you have.
But I use Gordon's for years. Just google Gordon's vegetation killer. I have used it for years and I like the price and the way it works. It does not work as fast as round up but works as good. Might take about 5 days to see it working.
I mostly use it around the stone walls and rocks in the fields. This cuts down on the trimming I have to do.
But I did use it on some stumps on one area that I am clearing. It's very rocky and I can't mow it.
I use the total vegetation killer. I buy it by the 2.5 gallon jug.
Also in my area, if I mow it every few weeks I can and do kill all the bushes. I can cut the trees out and mow it and it will be grass in about 5 years. But it takes steady mowing. But this is in Maine too. Our growing season is short.
The way we do such things like buckthorn is to spray the new foliage in the spring with 2,4-D Amine.
You might try an area with your roundup approach to test its effectiveness this fall and if killing off more plants is not a problem for your future plan.
Also, might see some new growth yet this winter (before spring) and then give it that 2,4-D spraying.
Since it would be so simple/easy to "walk and spray" the stubs this Winter, I am going to have to try it. I'll have to do some reading to determine the mix ratio. I do still have some Escort as well as some Remedy but I do not remember how much so I will have to look. I know that both are deadly on hardwood while having no effect on Pine, but of course in this instance, Pine is not even in the equation.
My daughter keeps bees and makes her own weed killer so as not to harm the bees. Not sure of the mixture but I think it has vinegar and epsom salts. Works for her around the house.
My bushog only gets down to about 3-4 inches. Got a flail mower last year and it will almost scalp the dirt, mows down to 1-2" easily. Maybe mowing repeatedly as low as you can will keep the sweetgums and such at bay. My 'camp' area was an overgrown field much as your picture on the tractor. It gets mowed 3-4 times a year now and you can walk barefoot over most of it.
Vinegar and epsom salts do not work.
We use Garlon (or the equivalent generic) at work for treating all hardwood stumps and it works great. We use the oil-based version along with a dye.
In your situation, if you want to reduce overspray to zero, you could use your preferred herbicide in a dauber and possibly mount the dauber on the end of a stick. You wouldn't even have to bend down. It could work slick. In full disclosure, I have never mounted a dauber on a stick but would like someone else to figure out for me!
Clark
I like the dauber idea but the sprouts were bushhogged off and are raggedy even though the blades were new/sharp.
What do you mix the oil-based Garlon with or do you use it full strength?
What I am reading says one gallon of Garlon4 per 4 gallons of Diesel.
Quote from: Magicman on November 27, 2023, 05:34:59 PM
I like the dauber idea but the sprouts were bushhogged off and are raggedy even though the blades were new/sharp.
What do you mix the oil-based Garlon with or do you use it full strength?
What I am reading says one gallon of Garlon4 per 4 gallons of Diesel.
We use an oil that they sell; I think it's often called bark oil. We have always used a 3:1 ratio and that seems to work quite well. Ash cut in the dead of winter, buried in a snow bank and sprayed in the spring still results in no sprouts.
Clark
One salt that will work is Borax powder. Always mixed it with sugar for ant hills. But if you get too close to a small tree it will burn it up and anything else green. Probably more expensive than herbicide per acre though, and it will kill pines. ;D
Since it has been a couple of days since you mowed the area, I would advise Garlon with diesel as it will be able to penetrate the bark and any dried woody areas to the cambium layer. With the amount of drought you have had this year it may not work very well. Another option is to wait until spring and then use Chopper and Roundup and spray the leaves on the newer sprouts. I would want them to be 18" or taller to make sure you have enough leaves to take in the chemical. If you are going this route, make sure you are getting Chopper or it's generic version. Arsenal and Chopper have the same active ingredients but Chopper has a little something extra in it that lets you spray earlier in the season. Can't remember off the top of my head what it is.
Thanks Guys. Garlon4 is on order and I plan to spot spray the stubs now and then watch it in the Spring. If anything survives I will deal with it then. This gives me a double shot at success.
Quote from: Clark on November 27, 2023, 05:20:53 PMI have never mounted a dauber on a stick but would like someone else to figure out for me!
Do an internet search for "Weed Wand Magic" and you'll find a version of what you are talking about.
I have two of these. They work just as you suggested.
I find that a good fire line, right conditions and a drip torch, will do wonders in killing hardwoods and keeping the ground ready for wildlife, without the use of 2-4D.