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Eliminating Cypress Knees Without Killing the Tree

Targeted Knee Removal

Cypress knees sprouting in a yard and damaging a pool can be managed without felling the trees.

Method

Cut each knee off at ground level.
Immediately paint the fresh cut with undiluted glyphosate (Roundup) using a small brush.
Discard the brush afterward.

How It Works

The herbicide translocates to the specific root segment, preventing resprouting at that point. The main tree is unaffected because glyphosate doesn't move far in woody roots.

Safety Note

Avoid contact with desirable plants. Follow all label precautions.

Trees: Bald Cypress Knees in Yard: Cut Them, They'll Return If Soil Stays Wet; Killing Bald Cypress Knees with Herbicide: What to Expect; Bald Cypress Knees Invading Neighbor's Yard: Limited Options; Cypress Knees Under a House: Removal and Management; Controlling Weeds and Cypress Knees Around a Lakefront Cypress; Cypress Knees in the Lawn: Cut, Grind, or Mulch?; Cypress Knee at House Foundation: Immediate and Long-Term Fix; Baby Bald Cypress Uprooted Twice: Builder Warranty Replacement; Removing Cypress Knees Without Killing the Tree; Silver Cypress Bonsai Overwatering Recovery: Dry Out, Vitamins, Fungicide

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