Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

434.
RECOMMENDAT:I"'NS FOR THE USE OF HERBICIDES1
IN Cf'1NTROLLING UNDESIRARLEVEGETATIONALONG
TOWNROADSIDESIN CONNECTICUT
Mrs. Woolsey S. Conover 2
General Recommendations
Undesirable vegetation, primarily tree growth, poison-ivy, etc.,
should be removed along roadsides whenever it creates a safety or health'
hazard, or whenever removal is necessary for the maintenance of utility
lines. Along straight stretches of town roads where there are no utility
lines a narrow mowed strip on either side of the road 1s necessary for tbe
safety of pedestrians and motorists. Beyond this mowedstrip, desirable
shrubs and low growing trees should be preserved. On curves and where
there are utility lines present, removal of trees and tall ahrub growth 1s
necessary for a cons1derablygreater distance back from the travelled
portion of the road. Low growing shrubs that will not interfere with sight
line or utility installation, should be allowed to remain
Herbicides can assist greatly in the economic control of undesirable
vegetation. In many instances they can be used by maintenance crews in
conjunction 'With other 'Work, The type of chemical treatment depends to
some extent upon the existing problem, Before starting any program the needs
of the roadsides in each town or area should be surveyed The appropriate
treatment should be planned. after the survey is made. Recommendedtechniques
are given below A detailed discussion of these methods is found in Bulletin
624 of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, P. O. Box 1106,
NewHaven, Connecticut, which may be obtained upon request.
A. stump Treatment
This is a very effective and desirable technique and should be used
generally in conjunction with all cutting operations It involves cutting
trees and other undesirable growth and treating with herbicide immediately
before or after cutting .. This method is effective in preventingresprouting
and avoids "brown- out II and unsightly standing dead stems. Since only treated
stumps are killed, the ultimate in selective treatment can be achieved. The
following formulation is effective:
a. 2,4,5-T low volatile esters at 8 to 16 pounds of acid
equivalent per 100 gallons of spray in fuel oil, diesel oil or kerosene
b. 2,4-n plus 2,4,5-T low volatile esters at a combined acid
equivalent of 12 to 16 pounds per 100 gallons of spray in fuel oil, diesel
oil or kerosene.
The spray is di~ected at the cut surface of stumps. on all sides
and at the root collar ~ croWD}which lies at or just belo'W the ground line,
so as to drench the stamp and root crown The spray should be applied
immediately after cutting If this is impractical, it may be delayed up to
1. Recommendations prepared by The Connecticut Shade Tree Committee
2. Chairman of the Connecticut Sha.de Tree Committee