How to kill this ash tree

Dedekind

hello 

Two ash tree saplings have grown this spring in a rain gully. Any idea on the best way to get rid of them? I am afraid cutting them will not be enough. Will the roots still grow if I just cut them? They are right next to the house! 

Happy_Sloth

I would get some weedkiller that can be applied to the leaves,  wait for it to die back fully and then cut/pull it out.  The important bit is to make sure the weedkiller has fully done it's job before cutting it out otherwise the roots may re-grow. 

Dedekind

Thanks
 Any weedkiller in particular? Digging out anything is unfeasible because of location. How do I make sure it's dead?

Davesnave

Dedekind said:

Thanks
 Any weedkiller in particular? Digging out anything is unfeasible because of location. How do I make sure it's dead?

You spray or paint the leaves with glyphosate, which is the generic name for the weedkiller called Round Up. Results will come slowly, but  it may die with one application. Takes 2-3 weeks to show. If/when the leaves have shrivelled up, cut the stem low down with a suitable saw then make vertical incisions in the stump. Paint stump with strong mix of glyphosate so it runs into the fresh cuts. Job probably done. Cut away the rest of the stump next  spring.
https://www.gardenersdream.co.uk/rosate-360-tf-1-litre-p579

twopenny

I've used SBK brushwood killer to good effect. Vicious stuff but works. Read the can before buying.

You cut the tree, mess up the stump and mix the SBK with engine oil. A small garage may give you a small amount of used stuff which is better than new but any port in a storm.

Paint it on the new cut and if you've roughed up the bark at the sides this will help it work more quickly. If animals or children are around tie a covering over it so it can't be accessed.

This has worked on everything but a rouge sycammore which stopped growing for 3 yrs then started again.But on young ones like these it should kill them outright. They'll eventually go brittle and remove.

I had the small size and decanted some into a glass bottle. It's lasted years and recently saw off some huge established brambles in short order.

Davesnave

Engine oil and drains? Remember glyphosate is one of very few chemicals approved for use in watercourses.

Just saying.....

Dedekind

Good point, this is right over a rainwater gully.. 

I happen to have a bottle of SBK Tough Weed Killer spray. Shall I try with that one? 

twopenny

True Dave, good point, but this is going to stick on the wood if mixed with oil. It shouldn't enter the watercourse unless the roots spit it out

Dedekind, I doubt the spray would work and that would end up in the watercourse. The leaves are small, thin and lance shaped so there wouldn't be enough to stick and kill a tree. Or you could try mixing some with a little oil then cut the trunk and apply.

The spray is a bit random but by cutting stems and glueing it over the stump will work first go. Here's some info on it.

https://www.gardenworld.co.uk/product/sbk-brushwood-killer-rtu/

Dedekind

My bad, the one I have is SBK Tough Weedkiller spray. I guess nothing to lose by trying?

Davesnave

I kill stumps of relatively large trees frequently with strong glyphosate just painted on with a brush. I cut the tree with a chain saw, then plunge it into the stump, make lots of criss-cross cuts, then paint. I cover with plastic bag weighted-down and wait. Even trees with trunks  20-25cm across don't usually re-sprout.

Davesnave

Dedekind said:

My bad, the one I have is SBK Tough Weedkiller spray. I guess nothing to lose by trying?

  If you use it, it will work. Being properly trained, I can't recommend a triclopyr product near a watercourse, but the amount you are likely to use is very small and unlikely to give any problems.