Please help identify this plant - Ask Extension
I dug this root section out of my lawn near Vestaburg. I can't identify it. I'm getting many root shoots in my lawn since I cut all the trees down o...
Knowledgebase
Please help identify this plant #874247
Asked June 22, 2024, 10:36 PM EDT
I dug this root section out of my lawn near Vestaburg. I can't identify it. I'm getting many root shoots in my lawn since I cut all the trees down on my property. Please advise. Thanks.
Montcalm County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Dan,
I'm guessing this is a piece of a white poplar tree. White poplars are fast-growing, short-lived trees. They have invasive traits that allow them to spread aggressively. Your best bet to kill off the root system is to apply a herbicide to several cut sections of the root or trees. The root will absorb the herbicide, eventually killing it. Several applications for a few years may be required, depends on the severity of the problem.
There are several herbicides available. I'm attaching a link with more info on different methods to apply the herbicide as well as herbicides.
Caution: Herbicides can potentially kill or injure nearby trees through root grafts. Restricting treatments to tree species different from desirable crop trees will minimize this concern. Read and follow herbicide manufacture label directions and application recommendations.
Using Hack-and-Squirt Herbicide Applications to Control Unwanted Trees (psu.edu)
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Pam
MSUE Master Gardener
I'm guessing this is a piece of a white poplar tree. White poplars are fast-growing, short-lived trees. They have invasive traits that allow them to spread aggressively. Your best bet to kill off the root system is to apply a herbicide to several cut sections of the root or trees. The root will absorb the herbicide, eventually killing it. Several applications for a few years may be required, depends on the severity of the problem.
There are several herbicides available. I'm attaching a link with more info on different methods to apply the herbicide as well as herbicides.
Caution: Herbicides can potentially kill or injure nearby trees through root grafts. Restricting treatments to tree species different from desirable crop trees will minimize this concern. Read and follow herbicide manufacture label directions and application recommendations.
Using Hack-and-Squirt Herbicide Applications to Control Unwanted Trees (psu.edu)
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Pam
MSUE Master Gardener
Thank you!
You're welcome.
