How to kill fig tree connected to veggie patch?

[nubnub]

Hi everyone,

This self-sown fig tree that sprouted in between the crack of our fence was initially charming (my silly mistake to not realise what would happen here!) but is now wreaking havoc with the fence and the veggie patch.

The soil has dried out to the adjoining veggie patch and I am wanting to get the beds ready for spring planting.

How can I best poison this?

I have significant cut it down, as you can see it is still sprouting and the remaining trunk thickening. I have never done anything like this before.

If I drill into it (vertically?) will it poison the soil in the veggie patch and render veggie planting useless? Shall I use epsom salts or something more hardcore?

Thank you for all your wisdom here.

[EricL]

Hello @nubnub 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about the fig tree in your veggie patch.

Before you treat the fig tree, please make sure that it is only growing on your side of the fence and is not part of a larger tree on the other side. If you are certain that it is only your side, I suggest using a multitool with a timber plunge blade. I propose cutting the remining stump all the way to the bottom leaving you a flat surface. I then suggest drilling large multiple holes on the stump and filling them with Manutec 1kg Epsom Salt. Please make sure to put it only on the stump and not the surrounding soil.

Once all the holes are full, put some water in each hole until they are saturated but not overflowing. Cover the stump with a black plastic bag to prevent sunlight from shinning on it. You'll need to do several applications until the stump totally dries out.

Here is a link to our best advice: How do you stop a tree stump regrowing?

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Caroline2]

Hi, my issue is with a bat or bird-seeded fig tree which grew between my neighbour's shed and our mutual fence. I got the neighbour's rental agency to sent someone round 3 years ago to cut it down, but it is growing again - coming up between the palings and will destroy the fence. The stump is over 1.5m high, and there is no access to its lower part to drill into. I can access the top of the stump, a large shoot growing from it plus a small shoot breaking through lower down on my side of the fence.

What do you suggest? 

Thank you for your wonderful service!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Caroline2. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about poisoning a plant.

You don’t actually need access to the base of the fig tree to deal with it. What’s important is access to some of the cambium tissue, which is usually available at the top of the trunk and, in particular, in the large shoots and the smaller shoot you mentioned. The best approach is to cut off one of the shoots and immediately paint the fresh cut with a glyphosate solution, which will be drawn down into the plant. You may need to repeat this several times as new shoots appear, cutting and treating each one as it resprouts. Remember to wear all recommended PPE, including gloves, a face mask, safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, pants and enclosed footwear.

However, since the tree is growing between your neighbour’s shed and your fence, it’s likely on their property. Because of this, it’s very important not to poison the tree yourself. The best course of action is to speak with your local council and the rental agency to see what can be done and get their permission before any treatments are applied. Since they’ve already arranged for it to be cut back once, they’re likely open to finding a more permanent solution to prevent it from continuing to regrow.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell