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Killing elder tree

KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
in Problem solving
I have an elder tree at the bottom of the garden that I really need to get rid of.  It actually has a chain link fence growing through it so it would be very difficult to completely remove.  I am going to cut it back as far as possible and wonder if copper nails will kill off the rest if I can't make a complete circle with them.  I can't get to the back of the tree so, at best, the nails would be around about 2/3rd of the circumference.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    How far down do you think you can chop it?
    If it's low enough, you could maybe try the SBK stuff - stumpkiller. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I can probably only get it down to about 5 or 6 feet.  The way elder has of sprouting out at every opportunity I don't know if SBK would be effective.  If it would that will answer my problems.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    If you can drill (a) downward-sloping hole into the trunk(s) near the ground, neat SBK poured into the hole will almost certainly do the job, but you'll need a small funnel or similar to get the liquid in.  I always cover such holes with duct tape to prevent any wildlife access.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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