There are a number of invasive shrubs that can be controlled in winter, including:
burning bush (Euonymus alatus)
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)
“All these shrubs can be treated in winter by cutting and immediately treating the cut stump with a recommended herbicide. Treat as long as the shrub is not frozen and the herbicide does not freeze when applied. For shrubs that retain their leaves, a foliar spray will work while the weather is above 45F. Spray on a sunny day with no wind. Alternatively, you can pull small saplings and seedlings out when the ground is moist (bag and dispose).”
—Blue Ridge Prism, January 2022 Newsletter
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): According to the Blue Ridge PRISM, “Autumn olive can be controlled at any time of year, except during spring growth, by cut-stumping or hack & squirting.”
–Cut-Stump method: “Cut or saw all stems to several inches from the ground and immediately spray cuts with a concentrated recommended herbicide.”
–Hack & Squirt method: “Make hacks 2 inches apart in stem circumference and apply concentrated herbicide.”
Other plants that can be effectively controlled in winter include :
—garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) “If opting for manual control, carefully hand-pull the rosettes when the soil is moist. If the plant does not come up easily, or if there is a lot of it, a foliar spay of herbicide is recommended to control this plant. The pulled rosette can be left on-site. A spot spray of a foliar application of herbicide should be applied on warm and sunny winter days.” Blue Ridge Prism, Jan. 2022 Newsletter.
For detailed guidance, review Blue Ridge Prism/Control Methods/Controlling Invasive Plants Effectively and Safely With Herbicides and this herbicide chart prepared by the Virginia Department of Forestry: Blue Ridge Prism Live/Non-Native Invasive Plant Species Control Treatments: Timing, Methods and Herbicide Rates.
Featured Photo: Garlic mustard by Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org
| PESTICIDE WARNING
Pesticides (which include herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, etc.) are poisonous. Always read and carefully follow all precautions and safety recommendations given on the container label. Store all chemicals in the original labeled containers in a locked cabinet or shed, away from food or feeds, and out of the reach of children, unauthorized persons, pets, and livestock. Consult the pesticide label to determine active ingredients, signal words, and proper protective equipment. Pesticides applied in your home and landscape can move and contaminate creeks, lakes, and rivers. Confine chemicals to the property being treated and never allow them to get into drains or creeks. Avoid drift onto neighboring properties and untargeted areas. |
