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Volunteer Chinese Elm Tree #889686

Asked November 11, 2024, 7:17 PM EST

I have a volunteer Chinese Elm that popped up this year when I had knee replacement surgery and was not able to get to it. It is 3 ft tall, so I know the roots go deeper than that. Can I wrap it in black plastic to kill it? I normally catch these earlier and while I can still pull them out, but must have missed this one last year.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for question. Just to be sure I understand your intentions, do you want to kill this tree?

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 11, 2024, 8:51 PM EST
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An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 11, 2024, 8:58 PM EST
Yes!  It is not wanted, but trying to dig in that area is difficult - I have other plants I don't want to disturb.  I suppose I could try to cut it down and paint the little stump with muriatic acid, but would rather not deal with that stuff!  

Pamela Renkel

On Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 7:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 11, 2024, 9:10 PM EST

Thanks for getting back to me.

Stay away from muriatic acid!! Firstly, and I speak now as a chemist, it is very dangerous to use. Secondly, it may not even be effective. Leave it alone!!

Instead, please do the following:

1). Right NOW (early November 2024), cut this tree down to about six inches from the ground. If you can’t do this yourself because of your knee surgery, hire someone. I had a total hip joint replacement a couple of years ago. I know very well the challenges that joint surgery can present to us gardeners needing to bend over!! We need to arise above such.

2). Then on the exposed cut end protruding from the ground, put some glyphosate. Get this from your neighboring garden center. Look for something called “Round Up”.

3). Repeat the glyphosate treatment next spring.

You should see some improvement as your 2025 season progresses. This will be measured by no seedlings coming up. Please get back to us with any further related questions. Thanks for consulting our forum.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 12, 2024, 1:13 AM EST

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