How to Remove Silverthorn
These recommendations are primarily for homeowners and communities that would like to start working in their neighborhood greenspace. For each species we recommend herbicide-free control methods, but have added an herbicide option for some species for those who are comfortable using them. These methods were selected while keeping in mind limiting soil disturbance, reducing herbicide use, and avoiding harm to other species that may be present whether they be other plants/animals. Manual removal is possible for all of them if you have the time. If the infestation is overwhelmingly severe or these tips aren’t proving effective, we suggest you consider qualified professional services.
Silverthorn & Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus pungens – Georgia EPPC Category 2 (moderate problem in Georgia)
Elaeagnus umbellata – Georgia EPPC Category 1 (serious problem in Georgia)
Removal for this species is rated as medium difficulty because it is difficult to uproot and will require follow-up control to successfully kill the same individual plant if herbicide is not used. The plant is thorny and is best to limb with pruners before cutting.
Uproot
For certain woody invasive plants that have shallow roots, uprooting by hand is an easy method of control, but some woody invasive trees and shrubs have deeper tap roots that make hand pulling difficult. If the diameter of the stem is between 1-3”, an uprooter (a.k.a., “Pullerbear”) tool will save your back, is very satisfying to use, and a great choice for those who are trying to avoid using any herbicides.
Tighten jaws around stem of sapling.
Pull and push down on handle to leverage roots out.
Be sure to remove the dirt from roots after uprooting.
Cut and Leave & Cut and Treat
If the tree or shrub cannot be uprooted, the best removal method is cut-and-treat. We suggest using a high concentrate (between 20-50%), glyphosate-based solution and add in an indicator dye to keep track of what has been treated.
Use a hand saw to cut down the tree or shrub, but be sure to prune off any protruding thorny branches so you are able to get to the base of the tree. Get the stump as close to the ground as possible, ideally less than 1” off the ground. If the tree or shrub has a larger diameter, getting closer to the ground will be more difficult and not as necessary as for a smaller diameter tree.
If you prefer not to use an herbicide (cut-and-leave), know that the stump will regrow. When it does, take pruners or a hand saw and remove all new growth as soon as you see it. This will eventually starve the roots, killing the plant.
Silverthorn’s branches often grow like vines, draping over neighboring branches or hanging down.
First prune back any branches that may be blocking you.
Make a weight cut at waist height.
Cut the stem as close to the ground as possible. Leave a little bit of the stump for the cut and leave method.
The stump should be treated with the herbicide within 5 minutes after the cut. We use 1-liter hand sprayers to apply the herbicide, but it can also be “painted on” using a brush to apply the solution to the cut. Be sure not to get the herbicide anywhere but on the stump you are treating. If the stump is not treated, or is not cut low enough, it will regrow.
Apply herbicide directly to stem within 5-10 minutes of cutting.
The debris can be piled neatly on site to dry and break down naturally. Temporary habitat will be created and nutrients will be recycled. Of course, debris can be taken offsite, if preferred.
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“Category” refers to description of invasiveness based on information from the Georgia and North Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council (EPPC) and do not necessarily reflect the severity of invasions in Atlanta specifically. View our Resource “Atlanta’s Top Invasive Plants (A to Z) Expanded List” for more information.
A great opportunity to learn is volunteering with us at a Forest Restoration project. Please view our Calendar of upcoming service projects or consider enrolling in our annual Forest Stewardship training program. For other species removal, also read: How to Remove Our Top 10 Invasive Plants.
If you have any questions about this guide please email restoration@treesatlanta.org.
