So, you have a shrub in your backyard that keeps growing even after you cut it down? That plant can be a nuisance if you don’t cut it properly. You can prevent shrubs from growing back by reading the tips below.
A shrub can regrow if it has its roots and stem intact. It works the same with a tree cut on the stem, but the roots remain intact. Small trees will start regrowing on the cut tree’s stem, feeding from the roots in the ground.
So, the best way to kill a shrub that keeps growing back is to remove it completely from the soil and throw it away. You can prevent shrubs from growing back using natural or chemical means.
Ways to prevent shrubs from growing back
When you want to kill a shrub, it can be easy or challenging, depending on the plant you have or the chosen method. For instance, if you use chemicals to kill a single plant, they can spread and kill plants in the whole garden. But if you do it correctly, it will be the most effective method to kill a shrub.
In this article, we have highlighted the different ways you can prevent shrubs from growing back. Find the most suitable method for your garden and implement it.
Cut it down
You can kill a shrub or a tree by cutting it down. That includes removing the roots from the soil. Sometimes it is hard to remove the roots because the tree stomps are big. You can use machinery to pull out the stomps together with the roots.
If you don’t have the time to remove the stomp, you can drill it or apply chemicals that will kill it slowly. However, if possible, remove the stomp to kill the shrub that keeps growing back. Once you remove the roots from the ground, they won’t have the energy to regrow.
Spray with Herbicide
Herbicides are a faster and more efficient way to kill a shrub that keeps growing back. You can purchase a herbicide from a local store or make one at home.
The easiest herbicide to make from home consists of vinegar, salt, and dish detergent. Mix these three contents, and apply them directly on the plant, including the leaves, stem, roots, and interior parts.
Ensure that you use a spray bottle to avoid killing other good plants. Cover the shrub with nylon to contain the herbicide.
Encourage rotting
Rotting in a plant affects the roots best. It’s an effective way to kill a shrub, but it takes time for it to happen.
Two ways you can induce rotting in the roots are overwatering the shrub and applying excess mulch to block air circulation.
When overwatering a plant, you soak the soil till there is stagnant water at the top. If the water remains stagnant, the soil will have too much water, which stresses the roots. In the end, fungi will emerge that start to affect the roots, making them rot. That will eventually spread and kill a shrub. The same applies when you place excess mulch and deprive it of receiving fresh air.
After the shrub has died, uproot it from the soil and burn it. Then leave that space bare for a while before you begin planting again.
Place it over a shade.
Placing a shed over a shrub to prevent it from accessing the sun can be an easy way to prevent shrubs from growing back, but it will take time, depending on the shape. If you have the plant in a movable container, you can place it in a dark room to fasten the process.
However, it can be tough to kill a shrub if it can survive in the shade. So, you must know the type of shrub you have and its growing conditions. Besides that, you can use other methods that are fast and convenient.
Drill into the stomp
Drilling a stump to kill a shrub involves using a drill or a sharp object to make a hole into the stomp. A cut stomp can regrow because the roots are still intact in the soil.
On the stomp, drill several holes that are about 1 inch deep into the stomp. Then use a herbicide and pour it directly into the holes on the stomp. You can drill deeper into the stomp to ensure the herbicides seep deeper into the tree.
The holes depend on the size of the shrub stomp. If it is big, drill bigger holes and use more herbicides. With this method, you can prevent shrubs from growing back without affecting other plants.
Burn it
Burning a shrub may be the last option to think about. You can use hot water or set it on fire. Either of the two options can work.
First, cut down the upper part of the shrub, then dig out the stem and roots from the ground. As long as roots are alive in the ground, they will continue to create shoots that grow into a new plant.
Secondly, pour boiling water on the plant and follow up to check if the plant has died. If that didn’t work, set the shrub on fire. Let it dry, and then burn it.
Other ways you can prevent shrubs from growing back
- Pour a lot of salt on the cut part of the shrub. The salt will suck all the water and leave the plant dehydrated. Ensure you apply it on a cut part.
- Use concentrated bleach on the plant. Dig it out and then pour concentrated bleach on the roots.
- Use copper spike. It’s old-fashioned, but you can buy a spike from a store and push-drill it into the stomp. It will have a chemical reaction with the shrub. The roots will die and disintegrate.
