For different reasons you may find yourself in the need to remove a tree that is located on your property. These can be very diverse; from that it seems too invasive to that it affects you visually to see part of your garden or the street or simply that you want to use the space to plant another tree or other purposes.
If you want to know how to kill a tree you should keep in mind that you can do it yourself and without having to resort to a professional in the sector, which will make it more expensive. Next, we are going to talk about different ways you have to be able to remove it once you have killed it.
You must bear in mind that in order to kill a tree completely it is not enough to cut it down, but a layer of herbicide must be applied so that it can really end its life.
Instructions for killing a tree
If you want to know how to kill a tree you must bear in mind that you have different methods that we are going to indicate below, and that can help you to finish with it definitively.
Ringing the tree
- First of all, you must remove the loose bark. In this method the tree is killed since it is left without receiving the flow of sap from the roots to the crown. For this you can resort to the use of herbicides or not, although these make the process is carried out in a faster way. However, it is possible to do so without herbicides. To do this you must remove the bark that is loose in order to reach the trunk more easily, removing the bark within a band-shaped area, with a width of 10-12 cm.
- Then you must make cuts in the trunk, being able to carry it out with different shapes. For this you can use a chainsaw, an axe or even a wooden chisel.
- Then you must make a cut around the entire circumference of the tree. This cut should have a depth in the wood based on the thickness of the tree. The depth will vary depending on the trees and their thickness. You should try to make the band as level as possible.
- The next step is to make another cut around the circumference of the tree. You must make another band for this process to be effective, and you must create a band that is about 5-10 cm from the first band, making cuts of a similar depth.
- Apply herbicide if you decide to use it. To do this you must apply it in the cuts you have made to the tree. Do it in a time of 5 to 10 minutes after making them.
- Wait. To finish you just have to wait. They can take about 6 weeks to die if you use herbicides, while in the event that you decide to do without it, the process may take several months.
Macheting and spraying method
Another method is as follows:
- Use a hand axe and take care of making precise cuts in the tree, which you will later cover with herbicide.
- First of all, you need to mix the herbicide in a sprayer.
- Then take the axe and make a cut down on the trunk about 5 centimeters long. The depth of the cut must be sufficient to be able to reach the clearest sapwood and to be able to apply the herbicide in a more effective way.
- Then you must spray with herbicide in the cut, removing the head of the axe after making the cut without separating it completely from the trunk. Make it stay on the edge of the cut and proceed to spray the herbicide on the top side of the axe so that it drains until it reaches the deepest area of the cut.
- Later you must make other cuts. Depending on the herbicide you use you will have to make a number of cuts, being usual that it is necessary to make several cuts separated from each other with a separation of between 2.5 and 7.5 cm.
- Then apply herbicide to each of these cuts and wait for the tree to die completely.
Remove the tree and then treat the stump
The third method you have at your disposal is as follows:
- First you must mix the herbicide, placing it in a sprayer before starting with the cutting of the tree.
- Then you must take a chainsaw or similar and cut down the tree. In the event that it is of a very large size it is advisable that you ask a professional to carry out the cut.
- Once you have cut down the tree you should cover the top of the trunk with a layer of herbicide.
- When it is applied you must wait for the tree to die.
What do you need to kill a tree?
- Axe, chainsaw or wooden chisel (depending on the method).
- Herbicide (if you decide to apply it – it is necessary in some methods).
- Safety protection to avoid risks and accidents.
Tips for killing a tree
- Always wear eye protection (glasses) and hand protection (gloves) to protect yourself against the possible risks of cutting trees.