I've been struggling with some kind of brush that just won't quit. Every time I chop it down, it grows back thicker than before. I don't even know what it is, but it dies off in winter only to come back with a vengeance in the spring. I'm at my wits' end—what do I do to get rid of it for good?
3 Answers
You could also try applying herbicide directly to the stump after you cut it down. Drill some holes in the stump and pour Roundup in there. It’s a more targeted approach and should help kill the plant off completely. Just make sure to act quickly after the cut.
One effective way to deal with that overgrowth is to pull it out by the roots. If you're okay using chemicals, try something like Roundup. If you prefer an organic method, after you've cleared the area, you can use a technique called solarization: cover the spot with cardboard, then lay black plastic over it. Just leave it for about 3-4 weeks, and it should help kill off any seeds and prevent new growth.
Looks like you might be dealing with black locust, which is known to spread quickly. To really get rid of it, you'll need to eliminate the roots as it can shoot back from those. Consider stripping the bark or digging out as much of the root system as possible. If any shoots pop up later, don’t forget to spray them with herbicide.