How To Take Out Tallowtrees

Chinese tallowtrees have invaded and become dense on many upland and wetland sites in prairie adn woodland communities of the Texas Coastal Prairie. Introduced from the Orient, this plant now infests more than 234,000 acres in southeast Texas. Tallowtree infestations are problems in rice canals, irrigation systems, drainage ditches, rights-of-way, vacant lots, fence lines, pastures and rangelands. Tallowtrees establish easily, grow quickly, and produce large quatities of seed. Tallowtrees resprout quickly from crown and root buds when topgrowth is mechanically removed.

Here are two 3-step ways to control Chinese tallowtrees that are easy, environmentally responsible and effective. Each involves spraying a small but potent concentration of herbicide directly on each plant. With these Brush Busters methods you will be able to kill tallowtrees with little damage to desirable vegetation.

Keep in mind that tallowtree management is not a one-time job. The plant produces thousands of seeds that are relatively long-lived and spread by water, birds and animals. A tremendous number of seeds builds up under parent plants. You will need to check your land regularly to find and remove seedlings.

Professionals with the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Service have developed, tested and approved these methods for Chinese tallowtree control. Your results may vary, but you should be able to kill more than seven of ten tallowtree plants treated.

Choose the Brush Buster mehod recommended for the number and size of plants you wish to control. If you have only a few plants, you will find the Stem Spray Method works best. If you have many plants, but most are less than 6 to 8 feet tall, the Leaf Spray Method may be more suitable. Whichever method you choose, with these simple directions you will be able to control tallowtrees the 1-2-3 Brush Buster way.

Comments: Dr. Allan McGinty or Dr. Darrell Ueckert