These recommendations are primarily for homeowners and communities that would like to start working in their neighborhood greenspace. There are herbicide-free ways to control each species, but we’ve also included an herbicide option for some species for people who are comfortable using them. When choosing these methods, care was taken to keep the soil from being disturbed, herbicides from being used too much, and damage to other species, whether they are plants or animals, as low as possible. Manual removal is possible for all of them if you have the time. However, if the infestation is very bad or these tips aren’t working, you should think about getting professional help.
Euonymus alatus – Georgia EPPC Category 4 (naturalized in Georgia or in need of further information)
For certain woody invasive plants that have shallow roots, uprooting is an easy method of control. Some woody invasive trees and shrubs have deeper tap roots that make hand pulling difficult. If the trunk has a diameter of less than 1” hand pulling could be a viable option.
If the diameter is between 1-3”, try using an uprooter (a. k. a. , “Pullerbear”). These tools will save your back and are fun to use. They are also a great choice for people who don’t want to use herbicides.
Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a popular ornamental shrub, prized for its bright red fall foliage However, it has become an invasive plant in many areas, spreading from landscaped yards into forests and fields Getting rid of burning bush requires persistence and multiple control methods to stop it from spreading further and prevent regrowth.
Manual Removal
For small infestations of burning bush, manually digging out or pulling the plants can be effective. Sprouts and saplings, up to two feet tall, can be easily hand-pulled, especially when the soil is moist. Dig out larger shrubs with a spading fork or pull with a weed wrench. Remove the majority of the root system to prevent regrowth. The shrub can be repeatedly cut to the ground or stems can be girdled to starve the roots. However, any roots left behind may resprout.
Herbicide Treatments
For larger infestations, using herbicides is the most efficient method There are several effective treatment options
-
Foliar spray Spraying the leaves with a glyphosate or triclopyr-based herbicide will kill small shrubs usually under 5 feet tall. Treatment is best done in late summer/early fall. Complete leaf coverage is necessary.
-
Cut stump: Cut the shrub near the base then immediately apply a concentrated herbicide like triclopyr or glyphosate to the cut stump to prevent resprouting. This can be done any time except spring sap flow.
-
Basal bark: Apply a triclopyr-based herbicide mixed with oil to the lower 12-18 inches of the shrub stems. The oil helps the herbicide penetrate the bark. This method avoids having to cut each shrub.
-
Soil spot treatment: Carefully apply concentrated glyphosate or triclopyr around the base of the shrub to kill the roots. Avoid getting herbicide on the stems.
Always follow label directions when using herbicides. Retreatment will likely be necessary as some resprouts may occur. Monitor treated areas for new seedlings germinating from the seed bank and remove them promptly.
Prevention and Disposal
Do not purchase or plant burning bush in your landscape, as it easily spreads from cultivation. Replace existing shrubs with non-invasive alternatives. After removal, all plant parts should be disposed of properly so they do not sprout or root in a new location. Burning, chipping, or drying completely are suitable options. Bagging or burying plant material is not recommended.
Getting rid of invasive burning bush takes determination and persistence over several years. Combining manual and chemical control methods is most effective. Preventing further seed production and spread is key to successful, long-term control and restoration of invaded areas. With dedication to ongoing monitoring and maintenance, burning bush can be eliminated from your property.
Eastside Azalea Collection
Despite the native azalea holding the title of Georgia’s State Wildflower, it is underused in the landscape. There are now over 300 native azaleas on display at the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, making it the largest public collection of these plants in the Atlanta area. The collection has more than 25 species, cultivars, and varieties. It also has all 13 azaleas that are native to the state of Georgia. This collection is mostly made up of named cultivars, which are varieties that have been chosen for their color, size, bloom time, and other factors. ) within two series called the Georgia Moon Series and the Sunrise to Sunset Series. In the Georgia Moon Series, fragrant white-blooming Georgia native species will be shown. In the Sunrise to Sunset Series, warm orange, red, and soft yellow Georgia native species will be shown blooming from March to July.
A unique feature in horticulture, the Stumpery Garden is open to the public for learning and exploring and shows how trees can be used in a beautiful way. Stumpery gardens use dead, downed, or storm-damaged trees as an asset to the garden. These trees provide important habitat for beetles, frogs, birds, and small mammals like chipmunks. Whole logs are turned over to show the root structure, and walls and arches are made from logs, branches, and pieces of bark. The goal is for plants like mosses, ferns, lichens, soft grasses, and trailing plants to grow on and around them.
Take a virtual tour of the Stumpery Garden here.
How And Why To Remove Burning Bush!
FAQ
What kills a burning bush?
|
Treatment
|
Timing
|
Herbicide
|
|
Basal Bark
|
Year-round
|
Pathfinder II or Garlon 4 Ultra (triclopyr ester)
|
|
Cut Stump
|
Year-round
|
Pathfinder II or Garlon 4 Ultra (triclopyr ester)
|
|
Cut Stump
|
Year-round
|
Aquaneat (glyphosate) or Garlon 3A or Vastlan (triclopyr)
|
Are burning bushes easy to remove?
How to stop burning bush from spreading?
How to get rid of a fire bush?