Roudup vs tree trunk

[timjones]

I have two birch clumps that I would like to do some landscaping around. Right now they are planted in the lawn with grass all around them and also between the trunks of the clumps. Can I just spray the grass with roundup to kill it or would it hurt the trees if I get the roundup on the trunk bark? I know it wouldn't be good to get it on the leaves but I don't know if it is harmful to get it on the bark.

[Jameson]

Spray away. You should be alright. Make sure their aren't any openings where the RU can get under the bark, and that you don't hit any leaves. Grasses usually kill easily with RU so no need to go overly strong with the dosage.

[Steve Foss]

Dig out and pull the grass. Chemicals have their place, but in a situation such as yours, the non chemical solution is easy peasy.

[Tom7227]

Not a direct hit on your question but you may want to check out the life expectancy of clump birches in grassy areas. I don't think they do that well. Memory is that they are a swampy/moist area species and also have some sort of bug issue. Hopefully I'm wrong but you may want to spend some time on this before you spend time and money on the landscaping.

[pureinsanity]

Instead of spraying, spray a sponge and dab the sponge over the grassy area. this will eliminated over spray onto the trees or unwanted areas.

Round up needs to be sprayed on leaves for it to really work so it shouldn't be an issue but in case. use a sponge or rubber glove with round up sprayed on it and pet the grass lol

[fishersofmen]

Yea hose it down. No big deal if you get the trees a bit. I sprayed several gallons today myself.