Controlling Invasive Sweetgum Trees with Arsenal Herbicide

Sweetgums taking over a small farm can be controlled with imazapyr (Arsenal), a restricted-use herbicide. Because it can sterilize soil for a year if misapplied, you'll need a private applicator license—obtainable through your local Extension office (800-ASKUGA1) after a short training video. The license is issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Once licensed, apply Arsenal to frill cuts (hatchet wounds) in the bark. The trees will die within a year and can then be safely removed. Detailed instructions are available from UGA weed science resources.