Siberian Elm: how do I get it out of my garden? - Ask Extension
I have many volunteer saplings that are showing up in my garden, and I would like to get rid of them to plant perennials for bees and butterflies. I ...
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Siberian Elm: how do I get it out of my garden? #878248
Asked July 22, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT
I have many volunteer saplings that are showing up in my garden, and I would like to get rid of them to plant perennials for bees and butterflies. I have tried digging them out, but the roots are dense. I first sprayed the area with 30% vinegar, and it did kill all the green growth originally. However, new leaves are appearing on the woody stems. I have dug around the base about a foot, and the root keeps going. What is the most effective method of getting rid of these invasive trees? I live in Arapahoe County-80120.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Audrey,
Thank you for your question. My first question is whether the Elm tree volunteer is from the 1) a elm seed that has germinated in this space -- “seeding” or 2) from a elm root and has migrated into the space or around the base of the tree -- “sucker”. Seedlings maybe easier to deal with because they do not have a fully established root system and are easier to pull. Suckers are harder to deal with because they arise from the root system or at the base of the tree.
The vinegar you used would not effectively kill the plant. It is not a systemic herbicide, meaning that it travels through the whole system of the seedling/sucker. Products with the chemical glyphosate or 2, 4-D can be a better option. These are systemic herbicides. Since this is an area that is not planted with other perennials and/or trees, it may be easier to do repeat treatments. The seedlings/suckers will continue to appear but hopefully they will be weaker each time they appear and after repeated treatments the number of seedlings/suckers will dwindle. If you decide to use a systemic herbicide please read the label carefully and follow the directions as written.
The other option would be to get a professional with a stump grinder to come in and tear out the roots. You may continue to get growth but this is a way to disturb the invasive root system. It may not be possible in this space unless you move the rocks temporarily.
I hope you will find this information helpful. If you have any further questions please reply to this email.
Thank you for your question. My first question is whether the Elm tree volunteer is from the 1) a elm seed that has germinated in this space -- “seeding” or 2) from a elm root and has migrated into the space or around the base of the tree -- “sucker”. Seedlings maybe easier to deal with because they do not have a fully established root system and are easier to pull. Suckers are harder to deal with because they arise from the root system or at the base of the tree.
The vinegar you used would not effectively kill the plant. It is not a systemic herbicide, meaning that it travels through the whole system of the seedling/sucker. Products with the chemical glyphosate or 2, 4-D can be a better option. These are systemic herbicides. Since this is an area that is not planted with other perennials and/or trees, it may be easier to do repeat treatments. The seedlings/suckers will continue to appear but hopefully they will be weaker each time they appear and after repeated treatments the number of seedlings/suckers will dwindle. If you decide to use a systemic herbicide please read the label carefully and follow the directions as written.
The other option would be to get a professional with a stump grinder to come in and tear out the roots. You may continue to get growth but this is a way to disturb the invasive root system. It may not be possible in this space unless you move the rocks temporarily.
I hope you will find this information helpful. If you have any further questions please reply to this email.
