There are several ways to kill a birch tree, ranging from manual removal to various chemical options. Like most tree removal processes, you’ll need to determine the best method for your tree according to your skills as well as the size of the tree.
There are several methods to kill a silver birch tree, which we’ll discuss in this article. Read on to learn more!
Basal Bark Spray
Channel your inner painter, even if it’s just spraying trees with chemicals. Results can be seen within a few weeks to a few months, as the herbicide travels through your birch tree, killing it from within.
| Difficulty | Moderate to Advanced ●●●○○ |
| Estimated Time for Tree to Die | Few weeks |
| Ideal Tree Size | Small to medium |
| Things You Need | • Personal protective equipment • Herbicide of choice • Spray or preferred applicator • Measuring container |
How to Do Basal Bark Spray
1. Choose the herbicide.
Select a herbicide that is specifically labeled for basal bark application and suitable for the target tree species. Follow the instructions on the herbicide label regarding dosage and safety precautions.
2. Prepare the herbicide solution.
Measure and mix the herbicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the recommended dilution rate specified on the label.
Ensure you handle the herbicide with care and follow safety instructions to protect yourself and the environment.
3. Time the herbicide application properly
Perform this method during the tree’s active growing season, typically in late spring or early summer. Avoid performing the treatment during periods of high rainfall or when the tree is stressed.
4. Spray the tree with the herbicide.
First, ensure the tree’s bark is dry and free from debris or dirt. Next, fill a spray bottle or backpack sprayer with the prepared herbicide solution.
Adjust the sprayer nozzle to create a fine mist. Stand close to the tree and begin spraying the herbicide into the bark at the base of the tree.
Start spraying the herbicide solution in a downward sweeping motion, covering the entire circumference of the tree trunk from ground level up to about 12 to 18 inches in height.
Apply the solution evenly, but avoid excessive runoff. If the tree has multiple stems, treat each stem individually, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Clean the equipment.
After treatment, clean the spray equipment thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination or accidental exposure to other plants or surfaces.
Dispose of any unused herbicide or containers according to local regulations.
Manual Removal
You might want to work up a sweat for this one! This method involves physically cutting down the tree and removing the stump.
While it can be draining, it’s suitable for trees of all sizes, and it provides a permanent solution to eliminate the silver birch tree from your property.
| Difficulty | Beginner to Advanced ●●●○○ |
| Estimated Time for Tree to Die | Immediate permanent removal |
| Ideal Tree Size | Small to large |
| Things You Need | • Personal protective equipment • Chainsaw or handsaw • Ax or pruning saw • Shovel • Stump grinder, if necessary |
How to Perform Manual Removal
1. Assess the tree.
Determine the size and condition of the silver birch tree. Ensure that manual removal is a feasible option based on its size and location.
2. Clear the area.
Remove any obstacles, debris, or vegetation around the tree to create a safe working space.
3. Cut down the tree.
Use a chainsaw or handsaw to make a horizontal cut as close to the ground as possible. Start with a notch cut on the side facing the direction you want the tree to fall.
Follow up with a horizontal cut from the opposite side to complete the felling process. Ensure you have a clear path for the tree to fall without causing damage.
4. Remove the stump.
Dig around the stump using a shovel to expose the roots. Cut the roots using an ax or pruning saw.
Start from the outer edge and work your way inward. Continue cutting the roots until they are all severed.
Once the roots are cut, use the shovel to pry and lift the stump out of the ground.
5. Dispose of the tree.
Cut the tree into manageable sections for disposal or further use as firewood, mulch, or other purposes. If the tree is too large to handle, consider hiring a professional service to assist with its removal.
6. Remove or grind the stump as necessary.
If you wish to completely eliminate the stump, you have a few options: grind the stump away, excavate the stump manually, or perform the cut surface treatment.
Using the stump grinder takes a certain skill level, so ensure you have enough knowledge to perform it. Stump excavation also requires necessary skills and machines, so it’s best to have them if you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re uncertain or uncomfortable with any step of the process, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from a tree removal service.
Chemical Injections
When you can’t find the right tree doctor, you might want to consider becoming one.
This method entails injecting herbicide into drilled holes in the tree trunk.
It’s ideal for small to large trees and typically takes a few weeks to a few months to see results, as the herbicide spreads throughout the tree, gradually killing it.
| Difficulty | Advanced ●●●●○ |
| Estimated Time for Tree to Die | Few weeks |
| Ideal Tree Size | Small to large |
| Things You Need | • Personal protective equipment • Drill, drill bits • Measuring container • Herbicide of choice • Injection system |
How to Perform Chemical Injections
1. Evaluate the tree.
Assess the size of the tree stump and determine the number and placement of the drill holes. As a general guideline, for a small to medium-sized tree stump, drill 4 to 6 holes evenly spaced around the outer edge of the stump.
For larger stumps, you may need more holes. Space the holes evenly around the stump, leaving a few inches between each hole and mark each hole.
2. Drill holes in the tree.
By this time, you should be wearing your protective clothing and equipment. Using an appropriate-sized drill bit, begin drilling the marked spots at a downward angle into the stump.
The angle should help direct the herbicide into the tree’s vascular system. Make the holes deep enough to reach the inner wood of the stump, typically around 8 to 10 inches deep.
3. Prepare the herbicide.
Measure and mix the herbicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful to follow the recommended concentration.
Pour the measured herbicide into a separate container for easy access during the injection process.
4. Inject the herbicide.
Using a funnel or similar device, pour the herbicide directly into each drilled hole, ensuring that the holes are filled to the brim. Repeat the process for each hole, ensuring complete saturation of the stump.
5. Clean up and ensure safe disposal.
Carefully clean any spills or drips of herbicide to prevent accidental damage to nearby plants or the environment. Dispose of any unused herbicide or contaminated materials according to local regulations.
Remove and clean all equipment thoroughly to prevent any cross-contamination.
6. Monitor and repeat applications as necessary.
Monitor the stump over time to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. In some cases, multiple applications may be necessary if the stump does not die off completely.
Foliar Spray
Shower your birch tree, but not necessarily with love! This method involves spraying herbicide directly onto the tree’s leaves, targeting its foliage.
We recommend small to medium-sized trees for this method, and results can be observed within a few weeks to a few months as the herbicide is absorbed and affects the tree’s vital functions.
| Difficulty | Beginner ●○○○○ |
| Estimated Time for Tree to Die | Several weeks |
| Ideal Tree Size | Small to large |
| Things You Need | • Personal protective equipment • Herbicide of choice • Spray or preferred applicator |
How to Perform Foliar Spray
1. Choose the right time.
Select an appropriate time for the foliar spray, preferably during the tree’s active growing season. Typically, this is in the spring or early summer when the leaves are fully developed.
Avoid spraying during windy or rainy conditions.
2. Prepare the herbicide.
Follow the instructions provided with the herbicide carefully. Mix the herbicide with water in the sprayer according to the recommended ratio specified on the product label.
Be sure to use the correct concentration to ensure effectiveness while minimizing any potential harm to the tree or surrounding plants.
Fill the sprayer tank with the herbicide mixture. Ensure that the sprayer is fully pressurized according to the sprayer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Spray the herbicide mix.
Stand at a suitable distance from the tree to ensure good coverage while avoiding excessive drift. Begin spraying from the bottom of the tree, moving upward and outward to cover all leaves and branches thoroughly.
Use a sweeping motion with the sprayer, applying an even and fine mist to wet the foliage without causing excessive runoff. Pay special attention to the underside of leaves, as they often harbor pests or diseases.
Avoid excessive spraying, as it may lead to runoff or unnecessary herbicide usage.
4. Clean up and dispose safely.
Clean the sprayer thoroughly after use, following the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines on the herbicide label.
Store any leftover herbicide safely and according to the label instructions. Remove and wash all protective gear, ensuring no herbicide residue remains on clothing or equipment.
Dispose of any empty herbicide containers according to local regulations.
Cut Surface Treatment
This is perfect if you’ve already made plans to cut down your tree but still want to make sure it completely dies. By cutting the tree and applying herbicide to the exposed surface, this method is suitable for small to large trees.
It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to see results as the herbicide is absorbed, effectively killing the tree.
| Difficulty | Intermediate ●●●○○ |
| Estimated Time for Tree to Die | Months to years |
| Ideal Tree Size | Medium to large |
| Things You Need | • Personal protective equipment • Chainsaw or handsaw • Herbicide of choice • Spray or preferred applicator • Drill with a large-sized drill bit, optional |
How to Perform Cut Surface Treatment
1. Assess the tree.
Determine the best approach to cutting the tree. Look for a suitable height to cut, ensuring that the remaining stump is low enough for easy access.
2. Cut the tree.
Using a chainsaw or handsaw, make a clean and horizontal cut as close to the ground as possible. Ensure that the cut is smooth and level.
3. Apply the herbicide.
Within minutes after cutting, apply a concentrated herbicide to the freshly cut surface of the stump. You can either brush or spray the herbicide.
If you’re brushing the herbicide, dip a paintbrush into the herbicide and generously coat the entire cut surface of the stump. Make sure to cover the surface thoroughly.
If you’re spraying it, mist the herbicide directly onto the cut surface. Follow the instructions provided with the herbicide for proper dilution and application rate.
Pay attention to the instructions provided with the herbicide product you’re using. It will specify the required drying time and any additional steps needed.
4. Monitor and reapply as necessary.
Check the stump periodically to ensure that the herbicide is effectively killing the tree. If any regrowth occurs, repeat the process by making another cut and applying herbicide.
5. Remove the stump as preferred.
Once the tree stump has completely died and decayed, you can proceed with stump removal. This may involve manually removing the stump using tools like a shovel or stump grinder, or hiring a professional tree removal service.
Girdling or Ring Barking
Remember when women used to faint from corsets and girdles? The concept’s the same for this method except it involves unwanted trees.
Removing a strip of bark around the circumference of the tree disrupts the tree’s flow of nutrients, leading to its demise. It’s effective for small to medium-sized trees, and results become noticeable within a few weeks to a few months.
| Difficulty | Intermediate ●○○○○ |
| Estimated Time for Tree to Die | Months to years |
| Ideal Tree Size | Large to very large |
| Things You Need | • Personal protective equipment • Pruning saw or sharp knife • Tape measure |
How to Perform Girdling or Ring Barking
1. Pick the right time.
The best time to perform girdling is during the tree’s active growing season, typically in late spring or early summer. The bark is more pliable and easier to remove during this time.
2. Measure and mark the area.
Determine the height at which you want to make the cut around the tree trunk. Generally, it’s recommended to choose a height that is at least 5 to 6.5 feet above the ground.
Use the tape measure to mark this height around the entire circumference of the tree trunk.
3. Make the initial cut.
With the pruning saw or sharp knife, make a clean and vertical cut through the bark along the marked line. This cut should go through the bark and into the cambium layer, which is the living tissue just beneath the bark.
4. Create the strip.
Extend the initial cut into a strip by making a second cut a short distance away from the first cut. The width of the strip depends on the size of the tree but is typically around 2 to 4 inches wide.
Connect the two cuts at the top and bottom, creating a continuous strip around the trunk.
5. Remove the bark.
Gently pry and peel away the strip of bark from the tree trunk. Take care not to damage the underlying wood or expose the inner layers of the trunk.
6. Double-check your work.
Ensure that the entire circumference of the tree has been girdled. Any remaining patches of intact bark can impede the effectiveness of the method.
7. Monitor and wait.
After girdling, monitor the tree for signs of decline, such as wilting leaves, branch dieback, or lack of new growth.
It may take several weeks or months for the tree to die completely. During this time, avoid any further maintenance or pruning of the tree.
Planter’s Tips: Remember to check and comply with local regulations and guidelines for tree removal or girdling, as there may be specific requirements or restrictions in your area. Where necessary, obtain permits or authorizations.
FAQs
The best time to kill a silver birch tree is during its active growing season, which is typically in late spring or early summer. At this time, the tree is actively transporting nutrients and the application of herbicides or other removal methods is more effective.
To get rid of a silver birch tree stump, you can do manual removal, cut surface treatments, or hire a professional tree removal service that can remove the stump using specialized equipment.
Tapping a birch tree for its sap does not kill the tree. Tapping is often performed to produce birch sap or birch water, and the process is not enough to kill the tree.
Cutting roots does not necessarily kill a birch tree as it depends on the extent and location of the root damage. Removing a significant portion of the tree’s roots can disrupt its stability and nutrient uptake, potentially leading to decline or death.
Silver birch trees generally have shallow root systems that spread wide rather than growing deep into the ground. The majority of their roots are found within 2 feet of soil.
The life span of a silver birch tree on average is around 40 to 60 years, but some well-cared-for specimens can live up to 80 years or more.
