Thorny Locusts... how would you remove?

[fried1765]

Have a customer with that junk. Calls me every 3 years and asks me to cut it down. Its like 15 tall and 2-3 inches at the base. I back my 15 bush hog into it and knock it over then grind it up good. Havent gotten a flat tire yet and consider myself lucky.
He wont use glyphosate. Says the stuff kills people.

My neighbor cuts that stuff for me once each year (Sept.)
He has a magnificent CAT tracked skidsteer with a 10'(?) mower head.
Once each year keeps it looking managed.
Every 3 years would be ugly!

$600 each year, for about 4-1/2 acres.
It is actually his view across my property.

 

[jaxs]

After removing existing trees by what ever method you choose,annually spraying area with 2-4-D in late spring/early summer is effective for resprouts. Might take 2 years but that will kill remaining roots to prevent sprouting. Cows will eat new sprouts and goats will eat any leaves and twigs they can reach regardless of age.

 

[fried1765]

After removing existing trees by what ever method you choose,annually spraying area with 2-4-D in late spring/early summer is effective for resprouts. Might take 2 years but that will kill remaining roots to prevent sprouting. Cows will eat new sprouts and goats will eat any leaves and twigs they can reach regardless of age.

No need to spray anytime, if you paint the fresh cut stumps with straight Glyphosate.
There will be no sprouts from that root system!

 

[i7win7]

Pull them & fill holes.

 

[ponytug]

IIRC, the thorns are pretty rot resistant.

Locusts are pretty good at having extended root systems, so ripping them out is a great way to get at the roots. So, yes, put in me the go the extra mile category. Locusts make great rot resistant fence posts though.

I haven't had great success with glyphosate on tree roots, but I have never tried it on locust.

Any one else eat the blossoms? In the spring we used to pick the blossom clusters to make fritters with.

All the best,

Peter

 

[rangerfredbob]

When pulling trees I usually use a choker chain, if you can't get to the stump use a long chain and hook it to itself with a slip loop at the end or a slip hook then just drive off and let it choke down on the stump... that would be less messy than digging them out, then flatten and mow the stubble, if you keep up with it that should work, I think not letting them get leaves is key.

 

[Hay Dude]

A mini ex with a tree puller or a mulcher head would be nice
Mini ex is such a sensible tool and can do so many things.

 

[i7win7]

pulling up is better than pulling over - build a lever

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Back in the olden days when I was in college, Sharn Jean and I visited a small park near the college, North of OKC. In one area, there was a long, straight hedgerow of Honey Locust trees that formed an impenetrable barrier. Believe me, it was very formidable, and scary to even think about trying to get through. It was too straight and cultivated looking not to have been deliberately planted; I have no idea what they were trying to protect, but my guess is that it had been planted probably during the territorial days. I think it's gone now, but it was so impressive I've never forgotten it.

 

[rekees4300]

After cutting, apply some full strength glyphosate (Roundup's active ingredient) to the stump with a brush or Buckthorn dauber (online).

Ralph

Ditto ... also be sure to wear good eye protection when cutting, moving, etc. Last thing you want is one of those needle sharp thorns in your eye! Also wear heavy duty gloves & boots to protect your hands & feet. BTW the thorns are also capable of flattening tractor tires (been there done that) so avoid running over them.