How to Use Weed Killers Around Trees

Weed killers rid your garden of unwanted plants, saving you the time and energy it takes to pull them all out. Some formulas work solely on certain plants, not affecting others in the garden. Others are not selective and can kill all plants they touch. They have to be applied directly to the unwanted weed. Nonwoody plants are more prone to dying from herbicides than trees and bushes are, but you should still be mindful when using weed killers around trees. The younger the tree, the more susceptible it is to damage. Damage includes leaf curl and distortion.

• 1

  Apply a weed killer that is selective. This will target the specific weed you want to abolish.

• 2

  Aim the sprayer nozzle at the weed. Keep it from hitting the base of the tree or other nontarget plants. Depress the trigger and spray. Be mindful where the mist falls.

• 3

  Spray weed killer on still days. If you apply the chemicals on windy days, the mist will travel to the trees nearby, causing injury.

• 4

  Pick mild days to use weed killers around trees. Many herbicides turn into a gas when it is too warm outside. The chemical will travel through the air and damage a nontarget tree. Apply weed killers when it is below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 5

  Apply 1 to 2 lbs. of activated charcoal per 100 square feet of grass to inactivate weed killers that affect tree roots. This will absorb the chemical herbicide. Work the charcoal into the top 6 inches of soil.