How to Kill a Mature Tree
- 1). Avoid removing damaged or diseased limbs from a mature tree. Allow disease to spread throughout the tree until it dies. Leave broken limbs in place so disease can more quickly enter the tree and spread.
- 2). Spray nonspecific herbicide designed to sterilize the soil around the tree roots. Apply the spray so it not only enters the soil and is taken up by the roots, but also apply the herbicide directly to any surface roots.
- 3). Allow construction or other large equipment to contact, scrape and gouge the tree. Do not mark the area around a tree or warn large equipment operators to stay clear. Avoid repairing any damage to the tree to allow disease to spread more quickly.
- 4). Mow and trim close to trees so the mower blades contact the roots, and the string from a trimmer contacts the sides of the tree. Do not attempt to avoid damage to the tree during mowing and trimming.
- 5). Top a mature tree so the center of the tree, especially an evergreen, is open to allow strong winds to pull limbs away from the trunk and cause damage. Leave the damage intact so the tree will die more quickly.
