Shrubs - Privet
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  (February) We live in Sherwood, and this year I'm going to kill all the privet on the place, and I have several questions: When should I start? I plan to spray the small stuff, I know it takes more than one spraying. I've tried cutting, but it's winning. On the larger stuff, should I chop around it and spray, or drill a hole at an angle and fill it up? Is Round-up the choice herbicide? What else do I need to know / do?

  Privet is one of those wars, that may take years to win -- it has a tenacious root system. If there is any way you can actually pull it up, roots and all, that would be best. Tie a rope around the base, attach it to the car and pull! If that isn't a viable option, then start as the plants begin to emerge in the spring. Spray with Round-up or Brush-b-gone (if you have no desirable vegetation nearby) and then wait a few weeks, and cut it back. Continue this throughout the season. Late summer to early fall is a good time to kill perennials, since they begin preparing for winter and storing reserves in the root system, and more of the chemical will go downward as well. On the larger stuff, cut it to the ground spray the stumps and then the sprouts as they appear. Good luck! Have you thought about moving?! -- just kidding.

  (March) I walked outdoors the other day and noticed that two of our Variegated Privet were bending to the ground. Then I noticed that they were lifting out of the ground. They are about 6 yrs old and about 6 feet tall. What would cause this all of a sudden and how can we put them back in the ground since they are so large?

  This is a bit unusual for a plant to uproot when it has been in the ground for such a long time. I have seen it happen after a heavy snow load, or after severe winds. Try to cover up the roots as soon as possible with soil and possibly reduce the weight of the top portion to help stabilize it. You may consider staking during this period as well. See if there is something the plant is sitting on--a large rock, or building debris, which may be working itself to the surface and bringing your plant with it. Do you have a problem with moles? Cover the roots as soon as you can to prevent them from dying from cold or wind exposure.

(March) In a recent column I wrote about pulling out unwanted shrubs using a rope and a car. One reader wrote in a word of caution. Seems like they tried this once, and tore out their transmission. He suggested that only all terrain vehicles or industrial vehicles be used when attempting this. You may want to check with your mechanic first.

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