tree removed but trying to come back.

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paulgr

843 posts

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#303894 18-Mar-2023 07:42

Getting tired of removing what seems like thousands of seedlings over the last five years since I removed a large Silk tree.
Even small ones have a tough wiry stem and are difficult to pull out.
Nature doesn't give up the fight easily.
Daughter reckons it's the tree spirit getting revenge.

rscole86

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#3051421 18-Mar-2023 08:04

Sounds like you need to take the top ~5cm of soil off and dump it. Tho if you're getting windfall from a neighbouring tree that won't help.

Do you know how long their seeds can be dormant for? It might be that you're at the end of your fight.

Alternatively, if you think you're got pulling up the entire seedling you could paint with a glyphosate and surficant mixture instead.

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Bung

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#3051426 18-Mar-2023 09:16

If it's related to the Australian acacia (wattle, emblem of our land, you can stick it in a bottle you can hold it in your hand - Monty Python Bruces) it sprouts from root suckers or seed. The seedlings pull out easily, if they seem embedded it could be from the old roots.

tweake

2348 posts

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#3051429 18-Mar-2023 10:03

i would spray it. probably try something like yates woody weedkiller. dicamba the main one there. you need it to go down to the roots and kill it all, otherwise it will just regrown from the roots. roundup will probably kill to fast. Triclopyr is mentioned as being effective.

but your still going to have seeds for quite some time.

paulgr

843 posts

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#3051436 18-Mar-2023 10:23

Looked up a bit of info about this tree.

Albizia julibrissin (silk tree) considered moderately invasive.
common names are mimosa, Persian acacia, silktree albizia, silktree mimosa, silky acacia.
Considered a pest species in many parts of the world.

Quite a pretty tree in flower, but I suggest that no one plants them in their garden.

robjg63

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#3051437 18-Mar-2023 10:36

When you say you 'removed' the tree, did you mow it off at ground level, or dig out the ground and pull up the roots?

Pulling out all the roots would be a hell of a job, so I imagine there are still old roots in the ground.

Manty tree types can start to regrow from the roots and it will likely start sprout new shoots in an effort to regrow.

If you look up wikipedia and the term "Coppicing", you will see its an old technique of cutting the tree off at ground level to encourage regrowth of smaller branches etc.

You likely need to find the old trunk/roots and use some 'stump killer'

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

paulgr

843 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3051458 18-Mar-2023 11:33

tree was large, nearly a metre across at ground level. Plenty of stump killer was applied to the base remaining.
I am confident the tree and roots are dead.
Issue appears to be just the seeds germinating and sprouting.

Replacing the topsoil is impractical, so I'll just have to persevere with what I am doing now.

neb

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#3051499 18-Mar-2023 13:51

Was it planted or self-seeded? If there's more in the area then you may just have to resign yourself to periodic weeding bouts, like here with the neverending supply of self-seeded privet.

paulgr

843 posts

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#3051504 18-Mar-2023 14:15

neb: Was it planted or self-seeded? If there's more in the area then you may just have to resign yourself to periodic weeding bouts, like here with the neverending supply of self-seeded privet.

It was planted by the original property owner about 30 years ago.

It's the only one close to me although there does appear to be a lot of these trees in Blenheim.
I'll just have to periodically do the rounds and keep at it, its not that difficult to do.
Just part of keeping a garden under control, as most of you who have gardens will understand.
Occasionally as you get older some repetitive tasks get a bit frustrating.

neb

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#3051505 18-Mar-2023 14:21

paulgr: Occasionally as you get older some repetitive tasks get a bit frustrating.

For me it's more or less self-regulating, I go down to check the possum traps and... just pull that big weed out... few more over there... that's looking a bit scruffy... oh, is it six o'clock already?

cddt

1497 posts

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#3052477 20-Mar-2023 19:49

paulgr:

Looked up a bit of info about this tree.

Albizia julibrissin (silk tree) considered moderately invasive.
common names are mimosa, Persian acacia, silktree albizia, silktree mimosa, silky acacia.
Considered a pest species in many parts of the world.

Quite a pretty tree in flower, but I suggest that no one plants them in their garden.

Still sold in NZ: https://nznurseries.co.nz/product/silk-tree/

OP could sell them for $79 each!