Basal bark application is a targeted herbicide treatment used to control unwanted trees or brush by applying herbicide to the lower portion of tree trunks (12 – 18 inches). It is particularly effective for individual trees or smaller woody plants and is a valuable tool in forestry and vegetation management. Basal bark application offers several advantages, especially when dealing with invasive species, brush control, or thinning vegetation.
Basal Bark applications can be conducted throughout the year with most shrubs, invasive trees and woody vines. They are most effective on specific sizes of trees, shrubs, and vines due to their bark structure, herbicide absorption rate, and plant physiology. Shrubs are small to medium sized perennial woody plants that remain all throughout the year. They can be distinguished from trees by their shorter height (typically less than 20 feet tall) and multiple stems or trunks.
Optimal Tree, Shrub, and Vine Sizes for Basal Bark Application
- Trees with diameters of 6 inches or less at breast height (measured 4.5 feet above the ground). The main reason is because trees with 6 inches or less are considered young trees whose bark are still thin and easier for the herbicide to penetrate. For larger trees with larger than 6 inches in diameter the use of the hack and squirt or cut stump treatment is usually recommended.
- Shrubs with stems of trunks up to 2 to 3 inches in diameter are ideal and should be coated well when treated. Some common invasive shrubs include Chinese Privet, Japanese Privet, Autumn Olive, Japanese Honeysuckle, Multiflora Rose, Amur Honeysuckle, etc.
- Vines with stem diameters up to 1 inch are suitable for basal bark oil treatment. Applications are typically made to the base of the vines which ensures herbicide penetration and movement throughout the plant. Examples of Vines suitable for basal bark applications include Poison Ivy, Kudzu, Oriental Bittersweet, Wisteria, etc.
By focusing on smaller trees, shrubs, and vines, basal bark application offers the best results. For larger or more resistant plants, complementary methods (e.g., cut-stump treatments) can be used to enhance control.
Benefits of Basal Bark Application
Basal bark application offers several advantages for forestry management, especially when dealing with invasive species, brush control, or thinning vegetation. Below are the key benefits:
Highly Targeted Application
- Minimal Off-Target Damage: The herbicide is applied directly to the bark of individual trees or shrubs, minimizing the impact on surrounding vegetation.
- Reduces Herbicide Waste: Only the intended plants are treated, reducing the amount of chemical required.
Long-Lasting Control
- Herbicides used in basal bark applications translocate into the root system, preventing regrowth and reducing the need for retreatment.
- Persistent results make it ideal for managing invasive woody species or maintaining forest understories.
Effective Year-Round, Including Fall and Winter
- Works well even during the dormant season (fall and winter) because herbicides like triclopyr translocate into the roots, ensuring thorough control.
- Treatment can extend into late fall, as long as bark is accessible and not covered by snow or ice.
Easy to Apply Without Heavy Equipment
- A simple backpack sprayer or handheld sprayer is sufficient, making it easy to use in remote or uneven terrain.
Cost-Effective for Small-Scale Operations
- Lower labor costs: A small team can treat individual plants without extensive training.
- No need for specialized equipment, reducing operational costs.
Reduces Soil and Water Contamination
- The use of oil-based herbicides ensures that the chemicals adhere to the bark and penetrate effectively, reducing the risk of runoff.
- Fewer chemicals are required, which helps minimize the **environmental impact** compared to broadcast spraying.
Useful for Managing Difficult Areas
- Works well in dense brush or wooded areas where access is limited and mechanical methods are impractical.
- Highly effective on young trees or woody plants with diameters up to 6 inches, making it ideal for controlling brush growth.
Versatility Across Species
- Basal bark application can manage a wide variety of species, including invasive plants, shrubs, and young trees, helping to restore ecosystems and promote native vegetation growth.
Fall Treatment of trees, shrubs and vines
It is especially useful in Fall or off-season weather. In fall, as trees begin to prepare for winter dormancy, they draw nutrients (and herbicide) from their leaves down into the roots. This makes basal bark applications highly effective, as the herbicide is transported throughout the plant, including roots.
Brewer provides Basal Bark oil Adjuvants to be used in conjunction with Oil-based Herbicides such as Triclopyr esters, Imazapyr and aminopyralids. Some of our popular Basal Oil Products include JLB OIL Plus, JLB Oil Plus Improved, Basal Bark Oil, Basal Bark Oil Improved
