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What Is The Best Way To Apply Roundup Around Tree Roots?

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DavidNJ

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
In preparing for a lawn renovation we are considering applying Roundup before using a soil cultivator. However, there are quite a few surface roots. In those areas we won't be able to use the soil cultivator and we are worried about the effect of the Roundup on the roots. Some of the roots may have some exposed surfaces or new shoots. However,the growth around the roots is a pretty random mix of grasses and weeds. The new planting is Lebanon Turf Winning Colors Tall Fescue mix, although we are considering an unmowed fine fescue around the trees. There are about 30-40 trees, about 15 mature (over 30 ft).

Is a hand herbicide wipe wand, like the Red Weeder a viable alternative? Are there others? The Red Weeder is pictured below. I've seen pictures of agricultural herbicide wipes on large tractor mounted booms.

Thanks,

David

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#2 ·
The best way to apply RoundUp next to a tree is very lightly, avoiding saturation of the soil. To put a number on it, no more than 1/2 gallon per 1000 sq ft of spray.
 
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#4 ·
That's right. Small amounts of RoundUp applied to nonsandy soil will not harm a full grown tree.
 
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#6 ·
what kind of trees are we talking about. There is a big difference in spraying round-up next to a 8' Cut Leaf Japanesse Maple and sprying next to a 60' White Pine.

But for the most part just be sure to spray the grass blades/weed leaves and not drench the soil. a light sraying fallowed by another a week later should surfice
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
The label includes wipe instructions in addition to spray instructions. However, it seems no one here wipes, everyone sprays.

When spraying, what concentration and volume do you use. There seems to be quite a variation in both concentration and dilution, with some studies indicating that lower dilution levels are more effective.
 
#9 ·
What are you using to apply this? I apply with either a pressure regulated wand or boom set to put down 1/2 gallon of spray per 1000 sq ft. Not a hand can or manually operated backpack sprayer. Labeled rate of RoundUp ProMax is 3 quarts per acre. I apply the equivalent to 1000 sq ft in 1/2 gallon of mixed spray. If this seems rather technical, this is the correct and safe way to apply herbicides to turf. These are the kind of things you need to know. I recognize you as the one asking about using Imprelis and Tenacity for weed control after seeding. Get the application wrong with those products, then your trees may well be in danger.
 
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#10 ·
The best thing for the trees is to spray just the grass, not exposed roots, and leave at least a 6' (3' from the trunk) tree well without tilling or planting it in grass. The trees will love it and you won't damage any roots with a tiller, mower or string trimmer. Add 4" of compost and keep the weeds sprayed. You'll help the health of the tree and it make maintenance much easier. Make sure you adjust the sprinklers so they don't wet the tree trunks and the trees will most likely live longer and do even better.
Neal
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
I didn't see that clearly on the labels I downloaded; rather a variety of different rates. The rates seemed to be product not ingredient specific. Doing the math you are using 22gal/acre which would be 3.4% ProMax or 1.65% glyphosate. The label talks about a 1.5% solution (.7% glyphosate) for handheld applications.

I can't find the rate specifically on the label. Most weeds are labeled 2-3.3 qt/acre. The section on turf renovation talks about less than 2qt/acre allowing livestock to graze immediately. How does the application on turf/weeds affect the rabbits, groundhogs, etc.?

Label: http://www.cdms.net/LDat/ld8NJ010.pdf

Keeping the mulch weed free has proved in the past to difficult at best. Do you use Roundup on the weeds in the mulch? In a planting with shrubs, would that be applied with a wipe?
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Need to decide on a herbicide wipe, under bush stuff is just a bear and the bushes are too Roundup sensitive. Seem to have down to two models: Red Weeder and SideSwipe,

Red Weeder
Made by Smucker, who also very large Ag weed wipers. Uses a vacuum created by putting the cap on the end to suck liquid into the wipe. Pad is on the bottom. Design could drip. About $50 delivered.

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SideSwiper
Made by SideSwipe, broad distribution. Circumferential pad with shield to protect plants above and surrounding. One report of one coming apart and drop its fluid (Roundup in a sensitive area...not a good thing to happens!). About $60.

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Discussion starter · #14 ·
Not really tree roots that are the problem, although I don't like spraying around them with Roundup; too big a chance of the spray drifting. My bigger concern is around low shrubs where it is impossible to spray the weed without hitting the shrub.
 
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DavidNJ
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