Cut stump method

The cut stump method is suitable for treating some unwanted vines, small shrubs and large trees that are actively growing and not stressed.

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Before you start make sure:

  • you have the right safety equipment
  • the weather conditions are good, that is, a sunny calm day with no wind, and no rain predicted
  • all pets and children are safely away from the treatment area
  • you have read and heeded all of the herbicide labels and equipment manuals

The equipment you will need is:

  • hat, safety eyewear, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, covered footwear
  • chemical resistant gloves, face shield, mask, impervious apron
  • herbicide, a saw or secateurs, machete or cane knife, measuring container, small paint brush and a small resealable container or squeeze bottle

Herbicide mixing

Estimate the amount of mixture you will need - be conservative. It is easier to mix up more herbicide than it is to dispose of excess mixture.

Measure out the required amount of herbicide and add it to the container. The quantities are available on the APVMA off label permit.

Seal all containers and agitate the mixture with a paint brush before use.

Cut the stem

Using a saw, machete, cane knife or secateurs, cut the plant no more than 15 centimetres from the ground.

Apply herbicide

To ensure the success of this method, immediately apply the herbicide mixture to the cut surface of the stump. If you do not apply the herbicide immediately the plant will seal itself off and the herbicide will not enter the plant.

The plant material removed should be hung up to dry or placed on concrete as leaving plants on the ground can lead to them re-shooting. You can also place the weeds in your green waste bin or a garbage bag and then add it to your general waste bin.

**Clean up

Step one
Any left over mixture must be disposed of in a pit that has been prepared with lime or wood ash. The pit must be situated at least 50 metres away from watercourses.

Dig a hole. The size of the hole depends on the amount of herbicide left over and the equipment rince water but must be a minimum of 15 centimetres deep.

Place some lime into the hole and mix with the soil. Then cover the bottom of the hole with one centimetre of lime.

Step two
All equipment and empty containers should be triple rinsed to remove all traces of herbicide.

Pour any leftover herbicide and all rinsing from equipment into the hole. Cover the hole with at least 15 centimetres of soil.

Finally, cover the area to prevent children and pets gaining access.

Chemical storage and container disposal

All herbicides and other hazardous materials should be stored in their original labelled container out of the reach of children and pets. Once empty and appropriately triple rinsed, small containers (less than 2L capacity) can be placed into the Council recycling wheelie bin. For larger containers please rinse, puncture, and dispose of at a Resource Recovery Centre on one of Council’ free drop off days. See free drop off day schedule at https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/environment-waste/rubbish-tips-bins/household-hazardous-waste

More information

For more information send an email to the Invasive species team.