How best to kill one thing growing right next to another?

[ning]

I have a willow that refuses all requests to die, growing right next to this fig.

Willows are also growing nearby.

I'd prefer that the willows grow elsewhere, which they already do, but these won't leave.

How can I get rid of them, without harming the fig? Digging and pulling has failed, so far.

 

[David in KY]

On localized applications like this, you could use a small paint brush to apply Roundup to the undesirable plants.

 

[Jstpssng]

On localized applications like this, you could use a small paint brush to apply Roundup to the undesirable plants.

The only problem is that Roundup is systemic so if the roots of the two plants are intertwined it could also kill the fig.
Try stump treating the willow with Lux dish detergent, or a high acidity vinegar.

 

[ning]

So cut it and paint with high acid vinegar?
I've heard of people trying that with blackberries, put a cut end in a jar of vinegar

 

[9973720wb19]

pull it

 

[ning]

pull it

Thanks, I've pulled what I can many times, dug stuff out too.
Keeps coming back.

 

[RayIN]

Ferti-Lome stump killer

 

[ponytug]

If you don't have other willows close by, aggressive cutting will deplete the resources in the root system, but you will need to keep cutting it frequently. Crushing the remaining stem into fibers helps the plant abandon growth at that site.

Have you tried cutting the stems it below ground 2-3", and then covering the local area with a metal can?

If the fig isn't too special, I might try trying to pull the willow, but I think it has real risks to the fig.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ning]

I dug all around that area pulling what I could before putting the fig in. I think there's root system coming from under the slab of a shed about 8' away.

 

[jyoutz]

Cut it and paint the stump with 2-4-D mixed in diesel. It’s unlikely that trees of a different genus would have root grafts. But if the willow is a root sprout from another willow tree, you will kill them both.

 

[ning]

Why mix with diesel? I'm not doubting, I basically know nothing about herbicides - just curious.

 

[jyoutz]

Why mix with diesel? I'm not doubting, I basically know nothing about herbicides - just curious.

The fuel helps to drive the herbicide into the cut stump and the oil in the diesel seals the herbicide into the stump.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Willows are really resilient, with only part of the roots in the ground il will sprout back, keep cutting it is my suggestion.

 

[LHF2019]

Cover you fig with a plastic bag and soak your willow with a mix of roundup/2,4d, diacamba. Buy all ingredients individually if you can so you can use high rate of each. Soak as soon as dew off in morning and leave fig covered for the day. Next day uncover fig.

I know there will be some on here that will doubt this method. You will only kill what is green and liquid touches. If in fact willow roots are from a main tree. You will not kill the main tree.

 

[oosik]

Have you thought about moving the fig??

 

[dougtrr2]

I do not use chemicals. My wife has an extreme sensitivity, my property is a watershed for a nearby lake, and after attending a forestry seminar on proper application (right time, right chemical, right delivery method) I decided it wasn't worth it.

I did successfully eradicate Tree of Heaven from my forest. It took a lot of persistence and recutting over a period of years. So it can be done.

Looking at the picture. I would weed eat that area down as close as I could get it and then keep watching for shoots to come up. Basic plant biology as I understand it, says there has to be stuff above ground to sustain a root system. If there is nothing above ground the roots have to die eventually. So my thought is that some of the shoots are sneaking up in the tall grass and that is contributing to your problem.

Good luck.

Doug in SW IA

 

[ning]

Have you thought about moving the fig??

It's a moot point, that's hardly the only willow in the area and they're spreading. I could move the fig, but sooner or later I'd have to move the quince, the cherry tree, etc.

 

[ning]

I do not use chemicals. My wife has an extreme sensitivity, my property is a watershed for a nearby lake, and after attending a forestry seminar on proper application (right time, right chemical, right delivery method) I decided it wasn't worth it.

I did successfully eradicate Tree of Heaven from my forest. It took a lot of persistence and recutting over a period of years. So it can be done.

Looking at the picture. I would weed eat that area down as close as I could get it and then keep watching for shoots to come up. Basic plant biology as I understand it, says there has to be stuff above ground to sustain a root system. If there is nothing above ground the roots have to die eventually. So my thought is that some of the shoots are sneaking up in the tall grass and that is contributing to your problem.

Good luck.

Doug in SW IA

I've basically done this with blackberries here, but they're a lot easier. Truth is when I've dug & cut this stuff (around the fig and all around the shed as the roots are under the shed and it sprouts all around), I haven't been diligent enough to keep it from coming back.

 

[DarkBlack]

You must mow the field there. Just mow over it every time you mow. The fig will eventually crowd it out, you could also put an upside down bucket over it after it’s cut to sun deprive it.

 

[dodge man]

I think the phrase is “kill them all and let God sort them out”. Does that work for plants?