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Help in identifying this plant and getting rid of it. #765238

Asked August 02, 2021, 1:30 PM EDT

Hello, I live in Lakeville, Minnesota. I need help in identifying this plant. Is this a willow? This has invaded our lawn and the ones shown in the pic has completely overtaken actual plants. It has really strong root system and very invasive. What is the best way to get rid of them? We also have a storm drain and swamp like area next to our home. The plants have completely overtaken there too. Any help in IDing them and suggestions for removal are appreciated. Thanks, Harshitha

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

You are correct! It is a willow. Drilling down to the exact species is more difficult. I have narrowed it down to two possibilities: Black Willow (Salix nigra) or a type or Weeping Willow. Here is some information about each:

https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/tree/black-willow

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trees/black-willow.html

https://trees.umn.edu/black-willow-salix-nigra

https://www.gardenguides.com/124856-identify-willow-trees-minnesota.html

https://www.arboretum.umn.edu/willowcollection.aspx

Completely removing this tree will present you with a challenge. As long as its roots remain in the ground, it will continue to send up suckers. As you have discovered the root system is expansive. You will need to use a herbicide containing either glyphosate or Triclopyr. These are systemic herbicides that enter the plant’s duct system and are carried throughout the plant. This will ultimately kill the root system though it may take some time. Cut down all the willows to about 6 inches above ground. Then using a small brush or a paint dauber, apply the herbicide to the cut ends of the willow stems. Be extremely careful about spilling the herbicide on other plants. Within two to tree weeks, the willow root system will be greatly compromised. To ensure this, repeat the herbicide treatment after about two weeks of the first application.

Good Luck!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 02, 2021, 7:46 PM EDT
Thank you! That was very helpful. From a plant ID app, it said this could be coyote willow and the photos looked similar to what I have in my yard. My question is does it matter what kind of willow it is to remove and treat it?

Also there are a ton of overgrown same willow by the storm drain, how safe would it be to use herbicide by the water body? Can I reach out to my city as ask them to take care of once by the storm drain and swamp area. I also think if the ones by the storm drain is left untreated, it'll propagate  into to my yard again since they are just couple of feet apart. Please advice.

Also can I use vinegar based herbicide available at stores or would that be very mild to treat on the ones in my yard. 

Thanks,
Harshitha

 

On Monday, 2 August, 2021, 06:46:59 pm GMT-5, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2021, 1:13 PM EDT

Thanks for your response.

My suggestions would apply to any type of willow. Using herbicide on the willows by the storm drain should not lead to any issues, especially if you use a small brush or dauber as I suggested. While you could contact the city, I suspect that they will not be interested. However, do not use any herbicides in swamp areas as there are very strict regulations against doing that. Vinegar based herbicides are typically less effective than herbicides containing glyphosate. In your particular situation I don’t know which one would best meet your needs. Perhaps you should experiment with both and base your final decision on what you observe? Here is an article that compares and contrasts both types of herbicides:

https://fairfield.osu.edu/news/vinegar-it-“safer”-herbicide

Good Luck.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2021, 8:31 PM EDT

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