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Cut-surface Application Training
Cut-surface applications are efficient and can be made quickly and easily. They are effective for controlling individual trees along distribution lines and can extend maintenance cycles. Using the cut-surface method on a site that is being mechanically cleared allows the herbicide to prevent resprouting. If treating highly visible areas, there is no unsightly brownout when foliage dies, since only the stumps are treated.Different forms of cut-surface applications include cut-stump, cut-stubble, hack-and-squirt and injection applications. Cut-stump treatments are the most popular, so consider Garlon® 3A (water-based) and Garlon 4 Ultra (oil-based) specialty herbicides for cut-stump applications.
Video: Cut-Stump Treatment with Garlon 4 Ultra in Oil
Cut-stump treatments are highly effective for controlling trees or brush. This video goes over how to apply a low-volume basal mix of Garlon 4 Ultra in oil to cut stumps.
Video: Hack-and-Squirt Applications
Hack-and-squirt applications are effective in controlling trees and woody plants that are too large for basal bark treatments. This video demonstrates the proper technique to perform a hack and squirt to small, medium and large trees.
- Treat the surface as soon as possible after cutting.
- If more than one hour elapses after cutting, switch to an oil-based herbicide application.
- Treat only the cambium and outer 2 inches of sap wood (xylem) inside the bark around the entire circumference.
- Exercise caution on soil-active herbicides to prevent off-site plant damage.
- Applications can be made any time of the year, but should be done immediately after cutting.
- Consider Garlon 3A, Capstone™ or Pathway® specialty herbicides.
- Can be applied anytime after cutting, including winter months.
- Do not make applications when snow or water prevents spraying to ground level.
- Treat the cambium and outer 2 inches of sap wood inside the bark around the entire circumference and the exposed bark as well as any exposed roots around the stump to ground level, but not to the point of runoff.
- Treat the entire circumference of the tree, including down and around rips in the bark.
- To ensure effectiveness, treat exposed roots around the stump.
- Applications can be made anytime after cutting, including winter months, except when snow, ice or water prevents spraying to ground level.
- Consider Garlon® 4 Ultra, a tank-mix of Garlon 4 Ultra and Milestone® or Pathfinder® II specialty herbicides.
Basal Bark Application Training
Basal treatments use a low rate of herbicide to control trees with stems less than 6 inches in diameter. This treatment method is highly efficient for treating long stretches of low-density brush on rights-of-way with fewer fill-ups. In some cases, an applicator can spray all day with 4 to 5 gallons of herbicide solution with very low plant densities. Low-volume basal treatments are more effective at selectively removing undesired vegetation and maintaining desirable plants, as opposed to mechanical methods, which are nonselective.The Garlon® name has long been the proven standard in basal bark applications. Consider Garlon 4 Ultra specialty herbicide or a tank-mix of Garlon 4 Ultra and Milestone® for increased efficacy on multiple woody species.
Video: Applying Low-Volume Basal
In this video, the proper technique for low-volume basal herbicide applications is reviewed, both to single stems and multiple stems in a clump.
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- Apply spray to the lower 12 to 15 inches or bark around the entire stem.
- Spray until bark is wet, but not to the point of runoff.
- Do not apply to bark that is wet or saturated from heavy dews and rain.
- If herbicide/penetrating oil mixture turns white when applied to bark, it’s an indicator that the bark is too wet and the application will be less effective.
- Can be used year-round, except when snow, ice or water prevents spraying to ground level.
Tips for Foliar Spraying
Individual foliar treatments are limited by stem density and height, and are ideal for maintaining a site after an initial reclamation. Low-volume foliar treatments are appropriate for stem densities of 1,500 or less, and stem heights shorter than 7 feet. High-volume broadcast treatments, usually done with powered sprayers, hoses and handguns, can treat stem densities of more than 1,500 and heights higher than 7 feet. Use a high-volume handgun treatment to knock back high-density areas of brush and a follow-up low-volume individual foliar treatment to eliminate undesirables after the initial reclamation.With Capstone™ specialty herbicide, you can treat foliar applications with an increased efficacy on a broader spectrum of annual, biennial and perennial weeds and brush. Another excellent control option is a tank-mix of Milestone® and Garlon® 3A speciality herbicides.
Video: Low-Volume Foliar Applications
This video reviews the correct way to apply herbicides using a low-volume foliar technique.
Video: Dormant-Stem Applications
Dormant-stem treatments are ideal for controlling woody plants that are numerous and small (less than 3 inches in diameter) during late fall and winter. This video goes over proper application techniques for high-volume and low-volume dormant-stem treatments, and reviews their many benefits.
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- Spray herbicide directly onto foliage of individual plants.
- Use spray pressures and techniques that minimize spray drift.
- Get good coverage on the growing tips and terminal bud.
- Spray all sides of the target plant to ensure adequate coverage.
- Apply the herbicide solution at a volume the wets the foliage, but not to the point of runoff.
- Make treatments during period of active growth. Early season applications work best after full leaf-out or target brush. Late-season applications work best before leaves turn and fall colors appear on target brush.
Combination Mowing
Dow AgroSciences has long been a supporter of combination mowing. The one-pass treatment offered by a mower that cuts brush and weeds and applies herbicides at the same time is a benefit for utility foresters and vegetation managers looking to improve control while saving time and money.More vegetation managers are turning to combination mowing because it offers something that everyone’s looking for: improved vegetation control at lower costs. Most vegetation managers want to apply herbicides to areas without creating public concern, and they want to avoid the “brown-out” effect in sensitive areas that some regular herbicide applications can produce.
Combination mowing has its advantages:- There’s no wasting herbicide on debris that’s already been cut. Direct contact to cut stubble reduces the amount of herbicide used.
- Separate mowing and application chambers increase efficacy.
- A shielded application chamber eliminates the effects of wind drift and weather.
- Using a one-pass treatment saves time and money.
- Having less brush to cut back during annual mowing cycles speeds up the process and reduces the chances of mower damage.
- Reduced brush also improves drainage of sideline and outfall ditches.
- Brush will no longer block pipes and waterways.
Back to Application Tips and Training
Other product-related literature:
Individual Plant Treatment Guide 4 MB PDF
Chemical Side Trim Applications 595KB PDF
Dormant-Stem Herbicide Treatments for ROW Brush Control 698KB PDF
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When treating areas in and around roadside or utility rights-of-way that are or will be grazed or planted to forage, important label precautions apply regarding harvesting hay from treated sites, using manure from animals grazing on treated areas or rotating the treated area to sensitive crops. See the product label for details.
State restrictions on the sale and use of Capstone and Garlon 4 Ultra apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details.
Always read and follow label directions. .