Will Kill-Zall Herbicide Kill Trees?

Mechanism of Action

Glyphosate kills trees and other plants by inhibiting a key enzyme involved in the process of amino acid synthesis. A potent herbicide, glyphosate is capable of killing plants by spray drift, as well as by direct application. Trees that come in contact with glyphosate exhibit foliar damage in the form of chlorosis, followed by dieback of the affected tissue. Growth may be stunted, and the color of blooms and foliage typically changes. Visible symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear, and plant death follows in cases of severe exposure.

A number of application methods control invasive trees or other woody plants. The cut bark method involves making a series of cuts in a ring around the trunk of the tree, angling downward and leaving the bark chips attached. Immediately apply glyphosate to the bare tissue, where the tree absorbs it and moves the herbicide throughout its vascular system. Glyphosate can also be applied as a foliar spray, or broadcast over the root zone and lower 18 inches of the tree trunk.

Kill-Zall also controls trees when applied to freshly cut stumps. To permanently remove invasive trees from a given area, cut the tree as close as possible to the soil surface during periods of active growth. Apply the herbicide in a 100 percent solution to the freshly cut tissue. Kill-Zall can also be injected into tree trunks, at a rate of one milliliter per 2 inches of trunk diameter. This method is effective, but specialized equipment may be required.

Glyphosate is a potent herbicide that is harmful to humans or domestic animals, if handled incorrectly. It can cause eye and skin injury upon contact, and care should be taken to avoid inhalation of herbicide vapor. Glyphosate is harmful if ingested, causing low blood pressure, respiratory issues and digestive tract irritation. Symptoms from low doses typically subside in 24 hours, although larger doses sometimes resulted in death.

Long-sleeved shirts and pants should be worn when applying this herbicide, as well as eye protection and a respirator.