How to Kill Palm Trees: Experimented Killer Techniques For You

Who doesn’t like to see beautiful and majestic palm trees? They look even prettier when they grow properly or planted systematically in different areas. If you look closely (and a bit philosophically), you can assume them as some attractive ornaments of the seashore. Unfortunately, these beauties look like beasts when they decide to grow unapologetically in some parts of your private property.

These trees do not work well when the property is small, or the area is super crowded. If you still plant it or keep it intact, it can mess everything up. It can break the walls or affect the underground pipes severely.  When the growing plant is becoming too large, its seeds can even block your drainage systems. So after a certain period, you have to make a harsh decision to kill palm trees.

How to Kill Palm Trees?

This article will show you some of the easiest, quickest, and safest options to kill a palm tree. But before you start the process, make sure that the tree you are going to kill is in your property. If you harm other’s palm trees or kill the trees you are not allowed to touch, it may become a liable offense according to the law.

Things You Will Need

• Cordless drill
• Drill Bits
• Herbicide
• Gloves
• Funnel
• Salt
• Water

Step by Step Guide

Safety first! Wear your gloves without fail. Buy a good pair of gardening gloves that can protect your hands from the herbicide. If you want more protection, then you can also wear your work gloves to avoid injuries. Apart from the gloves, it is advisable to have a nose-covering mask. 

Step 1: Drilling Lots of Holes

Take a cordless drill so that you can quickly drill on the trunk. You can also use some regular drilling machines if you don’t have this tool. Don’t forget to buy a drill bit that is long enough to reach the middle part of the trunk. Make sure that it is thick and doesn’t break during the drilling process. Opt for metal or concrete drill bits so that it can go through a live tree.

Start drilling and make holes around the trunk of the tree. Leave only half an inch gap between two holes. It’s okay to reach below the bark, but you can drill deep for the better and fast output. Making a lot of holes around the tree will allow you to pour the herbicide easily.

Step 2: Pouring The Herbicide

Use a funnel to pour the herbicide if you want to save a few minutes. If you don’t have a funnel, then you can also use a large syringe. Pour enough herbicide into each hole and make sure that it will not leak out. You may find this activity boring, but it is important to fill each hole so that the whole tree can be poisoned. The palm tree will absorb the herbicide little by little and eventually dried out.

Step 3: Repeat Step Two Again If Needed

A palm tree can easily absorb the herbicide in five to six hours. If you have poured the drug in the morning, then check again after a few hours. If the holes have dried up, start the second round of pouring herbicide. You may need to repeat this activity twice or thrice if the palm tree’s surface area is wide. The experts suggest using a mixture of a salt dissolved in water to make the killing process fast. Try this trick if you are in a hurry.

Step 4: Keep Calm For a Few Weeks

Once you are done with the transfer of herbicide, you have to wait at least three to four weeks. After a month or so, you will start to notice that the tree has started drying up. If you still can’t get any signs of drying, you have to repeat the entire process again. It’s okay if you don’t drill when the deep holes are already available. Just pour the herbicide. But, if you think that the holes were not deep enough or covered again in the past month, it is mandatory to drill them again.

Step 5: Disposal of The Palm Trees

Once your unwanted palm trees are killed or dried out completely, remove them from the roots and prepare for the disposal. Make sure that the area is free from any vehicles, furniture, or people. Also, always check any nearby powerlines. If you are still not sure about the safety, hire a professional just for the disposal activity.  

Things to Remember

• Kill the palm trees only and only if you own them, and you have a good reason to do it. 
• Before using any herbicides, don’t forget to read and follow all the warnings and directions printed on the label.
• It is recommended to wear rubber gloves while dealing with the herbicide. Also, wash hands with the soapy water after use.
• Choose a sunny, warm day when you pour the herbicide to the palm trees. Make sure that there is no chance of rain.

This is our method of killing an unwanted palm tree. Have you ever tried such activities before? If yes, tell us more about how you did it in the comment section. If not, then follow these steps and let us know your experiences. Be careful and stay safe.