How to remove a tree from growing into a spruce - Ask Extension
Hi:
I have a maple tree that started growing inside the dripline of one of my spruce trees.
What is the best way to remove it without harming the sp...
Knowledgebase
How to remove a tree from growing into a spruce #928090
Asked April 11, 2026, 2:34 PM EDT
Hi:
I have a maple tree that started growing inside the dripline of one of my spruce trees.
What is the best way to remove it without harming the spruce tree?
My guess is to simply cut it as close to the ground as possible and then recut if it sprouts again. But not to dig up its roots so as not to disturb the roots and soil of the spruce tree.
One of the photos shows that I have access to the bottom of the tree.
Thanks.
Carroll CountyMaryland
Expert Response
Hi,
Yes, you can cut close to the ground and continue to cut as if it regrows, and eventually the root storage will be used up, and it won't return. You could also carefully paint the fresh cut with a systemic herbicide to help kill the roots. This may also take a few tries until it stops returning. You wouldn't want to spray it, though, since it could drift onto the spruce and damage it.
The active ingredient glyphosate is probably your most practical and effective choice to minimize any risk to non-target plants. You'll need to follow the label instructions on any product you choose (it should include in usage information a cut-stump (or similar wording) application method) regarding concentration, since that is not information we have. (Every product may be different, and if manufacturers opt to reformulate their products at any point, the label information gets updated, and we do not have a database of label data to refer to.) It's likely you would not be diluting the glyphosate from whatever concentration the bottle has, and instead using it directly on the fresh-cut stump, but this is something you'd have to verify with label information.
