What kills ligustrum?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

One effective way to kill ligustrum is by using herbicides, specifically glyphosate or triclopyr. These herbicides are commonly used in the control of invasive plants like ligustrum.

To begin, you can use a 25 percent solution of either glyphosate or triclopyr mixed with water. This solution can be sprayed directly onto the ligustrum plants. It is important to ensure that the entire plant is thoroughly wetted with the herbicide solution, including the leaves and stems. The herbicide should be applied until it drips from the leaves, as this indicates that the plant has absorbed a sufficient amount of the herbicide.

When dealing with a large thicket of ligustrum, it may be more efficient to use a stronger concentration of herbicide. In this case, you can create a 2 percent solution of glyphosate or triclopyr and apply it to the ligustrum plants in the same manner as described above. Again, make sure to wet the leaves until the herbicide drips from them.

It is important to note that ligustrum is a persistent and resilient plant, so it may require multiple applications of herbicide to fully eradicate it. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the herbicide manufacturer.

In my personal experience, I have successfully used glyphosate to kill ligustrum in my backyard. I mixed a 25 percent solution with water and sprayed it onto the plants, ensuring thorough coverage. After a few days, I noticed the plants starting to wilt and die. However, I had to repeat the process a few more times to completely eliminate the ligustrum. It required patience and consistency, but eventually, I was successful in eradicating the invasive plants.

Using a 25 percent solution of glyphosate or triclopyr with water is an effective method to kill ligustrum. Alternatively, a 2 percent solution can be used for larger thickets of ligustrum. Thoroughly wetting the plant leaves until the herbicide drips from them is crucial for successful eradication. Multiple applications may be necessary, and following safety precautions is essential.