AboutJim Hyland Expertise I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.
Experience 34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.
BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology Registered Forester Certified Pesticide Appicator
Question I cut down a Crypt Myrtle tree with appx 4-6" trunk last year. The stump was ground down at the time. Now we are getting growth of lots of small Crypt Myrtles. What can be done to kill the entire root system so I can re-plant in that area ?
Answer You need to treat the sprouts with a herbicide called Roundup. The Roundup will be taken up by the sprouts and transported to the root system killing the roots. Roundup will kill any green plant it gets on so care will need to be taken to treat the sprouts. I would dip a rag into Roundup and wipe the herbicide on the leaves of the sprouts being careful not to drip it on the grass under the sprouts. I would wear rubber gloves to keep the smell of the herbicide off your hands (it will not harm you but it will smell for a time if absorbed in the skin.) IF there is no grass OR if you do not care if you kill the grass under and around the sprouts you can spray the herbicide on the sprouts.
