{"id":264,"date":"2021-11-06T16:15:25","date_gmt":"2021-11-06T16:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/?p=264"},"modified":"2022-08-11T19:45:55","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T19:45:55","slug":"how-to-kill-conifers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get rid of Conifer trees?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/How-To-Kill-Conifers-thumbnail.jpg\" alt=\"how to kill conifers thumbnail\" class=\"wp-image-269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/How-To-Kill-Conifers-thumbnail.jpg 500w, https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/How-To-Kill-Conifers-thumbnail-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/How-To-Kill-Conifers-thumbnail-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Conifer or <em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conifer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coniferophyte<\/a><\/em> trees are some of the most popular species of trees all over the world. This species basically constitutes <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conifer_cone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">any tree that produces cones<\/a>. Christmas trees form a huge part of this species. Even though Conifers are perfect for decorative purposes, there can be a number of reasons why you would want to remove a tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at some of the ways to remove your conifers as well as kill their root system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Before starting, it has to be noted that in many cases killing a tree, or removing it is not an easy DIY project. If you prefer to get the job done by a local company, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/tree-and-stump-removal-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">you can use our form to get estimates from local contractors<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#How_to_kill_Conifer_trees\" title=\"How to kill Conifer trees?\">How to kill Conifer trees?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#The_best_way_to_kill_a_small_Conifer_tree\" title=\"The best way to kill a small Conifer tree\">The best way to kill a small Conifer tree<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#The_best_way_to_kill_a_big_Conifer_tree\" title=\"The best way to kill a big Conifer tree\">The best way to kill a big Conifer tree<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#Killing_a_small_Conifer_compared_to_a_big_Conifer_%E2%80%93_What_are_the_differences\" title=\"Killing a small Conifer compared to a big Conifer \u2013 What are the differences?\">Killing a small Conifer compared to a big Conifer \u2013 What are the differences?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#Can_you_kill_a_Conifer_without_cutting_it_down\" title=\"Can you kill a Conifer without cutting it down?\">Can you kill a Conifer without cutting it down?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#Things_to_consider_before_removing_a_tree_on_your_own\" title=\"Things to consider before removing a tree on your own\">Things to consider before removing a tree on your own<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#Should_You_Hire_a_professional_tree_removal_service\" title=\"Should You Hire a professional tree removal service?\">Should You Hire a professional tree removal service?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-conifers\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_kill_Conifer_trees\"><\/span>How to kill Conifer trees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of ways you can <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-douglas-fir\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"462\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">kill Conifers, including Douglas fir<\/a>. The methods listed are preferred by most people as they are easy and cheap at the same time. Let\u2019s take a look at some of these methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has to be noted that once the tree has been killed, it will have to be taken down and dealt with accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul type=\"1\"><li><strong>Foliar Spray: <\/strong>This method is most suitable for trees that are under 15 feet (or 5 meters) tall. Simply spray the foliage with a selective weed killer. Make sure there is no wind that day as the herbicide can be carried far away.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Cutting the tree down and treating the stump with Herbicides: <\/strong>This tree killing method is one of the oldest and most used one. Once you cut the tree down, there is a chance it might sprout back. Treating it with herbicides will kill the tree and prevent the tree\u2019s further growth.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Gridling or ring barking: <\/strong>You simply have to remove a strip of bark throughout the circumference of the tree and treat it with an herbicide. Make sure the strip of bark is at least 4-6 inches wide. Ringbarking will stop any nutrients from travelling across the tree.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Basal Bark treatment: <\/strong>Spray the bottom 20 inches of the tree with a chemical like  Garlon XRT. The chemical will absorb within the bark and effectively kill the tree.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Injecting the tree with killing chemicals: <\/strong>You will need to drill 2 inches (4 cm) deep holes along the circumference of the tree at a downward angle. After drilling the holes, simply spray or squeeze in some herbicides into the holes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Cut surface treatment: <\/strong>Make cuts every 2-3 inches of the circumference. The cuts in the bark have to be deep enough to expose the inner white surface. Then spray a chemical like Tordon or Roundup into the cuts.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_best_way_to_kill_a_small_Conifer_tree\"><\/span>The best way to kill a small Conifer tree<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you can use any of the above methods for removing a small Coniferophyte tree, Foliar Spray would be the easiest and best method for a small, less than a few feet tall, tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\"><li>Make sure there is no wind during this process as the herbicide can get carried away by the wind.<\/li><li>Use an effective herbicide like Roundup, Ortho or 2,4-D. Which you can find on my recommended <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/recommended-products-and-tools\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"955\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">products page here<\/a><\/li><li>Spray the foliage or the leaves of the conifer tree with the herbicide.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The herbicide will be absorbed by the leaves and transported to the roots, effectively killing the tree over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most effective season to use this method is summer and spring as the foliage cover is high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_best_way_to_kill_a_big_Conifer_tree\"><\/span>The best way to kill a big Conifer tree<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to bigger Conifers, some of the methods can be quite tricky. Factors such as cost, and ease of use have to be taken into consideration. Ringbarking is one of the easiest and most effective ways of killing a Coniferophyte as ringbarking will stop the nutrient flow from the roots to the foliage and branches, killing the tree over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What tools do you need for ringbarking? You will need to either get a hatchet, hammer, and chisel or chainsaw for this method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\"><li>Simply remove a ring of bark around the entire tree, about 4-8 inches wide.<\/li><li>For extra measure, spray some herbicide along the exposed bark.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use this method without herbicide but there is a chance that the tree survives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This method is also preferred if you want to<a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/firewood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> use the tree as firewood<\/a> or for furniture purposes because the tree will slowly dry while standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"GIRDLING TREATMENT\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7ldA9UcSWKE?start=15&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Killing_a_small_Conifer_compared_to_a_big_Conifer_%E2%80%93_What_are_the_differences\"><\/span>Killing a small Conifer compared to a big Conifer \u2013 What are the differences?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some methods of killing trees might just not work with larger trees. One such example is the foliar spray. This method works best when the distance from the foliage to the roots is less. This makes transporting the herbicides and chemicals to the roots faster and easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other major difference is the time taken no matter which method you use. If you use ringbarking for both sizes, the smaller coniferophyte will die much faster. With the bigger tree, you will have to be more patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_kill_a_Conifer_without_cutting_it_down\"><\/span>Can you kill a Conifer without cutting it down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Conifers or<a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/kill-tree-without-cutting-down\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"853\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> coniferophytes can be killed without cutting<\/a> them down, methods such as girdling, cut surface treatment, and <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/what-is-basal-bark-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"528\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">basal bark treatment<\/a> are quite effective in doing so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You have to consider the fact that once the tree is dead, it will start decomposing over time and it can fall on nearby property.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_consider_before_removing_a_tree_on_your_own\"><\/span>Things to consider before removing a tree on your own<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Do you have the tools the job?<\/li><li>Do you have the required skills for the job? <\/li><li>Where the tree is located?<\/li><li>How big the tree is?<\/li><li>Do you need to kill the tree or get it removed completely?<\/li><li>Do you need to remove the stump afterward?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/tree-and-stump-removal-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Let the professional do the job<\/a> if the tree is big and you do not have the skills necessary to kill and remove the tree yourself. Large trees can be pretty tricky to remove, especially if they are located near a residential area. There can be a lot of logistical issues along with safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_You_Hire_a_professional_tree_removal_service\"><\/span>Should You Hire a professional tree removal service?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One very important factor to keep in mind is that even once the tree is dead or killed, you will have to remove it at some point.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This might not be an issue if you are dealing with smaller trees but for larger conifer trees, it can get quite tricky. You will have to figure out how to safely get the tree cut and transported, especially if it is located near your house or near electrical lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of this, the cost factor also plays an important role. Figuring out all of these separate logistical details can turn out to be costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/average-cost-of-tree-removal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"971\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take a look at my tree removal cost guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/tree-and-stump-removal-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use this form to get estimates from local tree-removal service providers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Will bleach kill a conifer tree?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although<a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/killing-trees-with-bleach\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"584\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> bleach can seriously harm a tree<\/a>, it is not an effective method for killing a conifer tree. It does not infiltrate the root system of the tree; this means that leaves might fall off but the chemical won\u2019t be able to reach the roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the best time of the year to kill a conifer tree using herbicide?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best time to kill a conifer or coniferophyte using herbicide is during the fall. The sap tends to move downwards during this time. Because of the sap movement, the chemicals will more likely reach the roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do copper nails kill conifers?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/do-copper-nails-kill-trees\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"762\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Copper nails do have a tendency to kill<\/a> conifers. Just like girdling, you have to hammer the nails around the entire circumference of the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"alignwide wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of ways of killing Conifer trees but the easiest method for small conifers is considered to be foliar spray while for bigger trees you should stick to girdling. This is easy, cost-effective, and efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recommended reading: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/how-to-kill-cypress\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"279\">How to kill Cypress trees<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conifer or Coniferophyte trees are some of the most popular species of trees all over the world. This species basically constitutes any tree that produces cones. Christmas trees form a huge part of this species. Even though Conifers are perfect for decorative purposes, there can be a number of reasons why you would want to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":269,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1794,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264\/revisions\/1794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}