Girdling Trees to Kill Them: Timing & Better Alternatives

Girdling (cutting bark ring around trunk) kills trees but leaves a standing dead hazard. Works any time; spring shows results in weeks, winter waits till spring.

Better: Cut & Treat Stump

1. Fell tree safely.
2. Immediately paint fresh stump with concentrated glyphosate.
3. Prevents root sprouts.
4. Removes hazard immediately.

Girdling is slow, ugly, and dangerous. Cut-and-treat is professional standard.