Killing Roots

[Bobcat45]

A few years ago my wife planted a [me] willow on the top edge of our septic tank. I told her that wasn't a good idea but she told me it won't get very big. She was wrong. I have it all dug out but it has a tap root about 3" in diameter going straight down that I can't get pulled out. I'm pretty sure that it's not affecting the tank but it does run along side it. Can I just cut the root and is there something available that can be painted on the root to kill it. Thanks Bobcat

[Powerstroke]

Roundup or brush b-gone, just paint the stump. I just did this on some volunteer box-elders and buckthorn I cut.

[Bowfin]

Roundup is foliar active and would need to be applied to leaf material to be effective. Would not be effective as a basal or root treatment.

[Tom7227]

How about a blow torch? Cook it up.

[Peachy]

I can't remember exactly what it was but there was something that could be put on the stump....if I can remember, I will be sure to come back and post it here....

[Bobcat45]

Thanks for the replies. after some research on the net it seems like roundup will work but make a fresh cut, drill a hole and pout it in the hole and wrap that part of the root with plastic. There are other products that are mentioned also that will work even diesel fuel was mentioned. And also to pound a copper nail into it. Thanks again Bobcat

[sparcebag]

Copper nail uh? I've for 3 years now been tring to kill buckthorn! I did the holes with roundup--Slowed em down but came back.out of 3-400 buckthorns all but about 30-40 dead these seem immune to roundup.It worked on everything else even willows!