Autumn olive is an invasive shrub that spreads rapidly along fence rows, outcompeting native plants and creating dense, thorny barriers. Controlling it effectively requires the best herbicide for autumn olive fence rows that targets the plant’s roots and prevents regrowth.
Many homeowners struggle with manual removal because the shrub regenerates quickly from roots. Using a systemic herbicide ensures long-term control and reduces labor-intensive cutting or digging.
Some herbicides work on foliage only, leaving roots alive to regrow. Selecting a product that kills both leaves and roots is essential for maintaining clear fence lines and pastures.
In this guide, we will explore top-rated herbicides for autumn olive, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrated solutions, and professional-grade options. Each product has been evaluated for effectiveness, ease of use, and environmental safety.
Top 10 Best Herbicide For Autumn Olive Fence Rows
1. Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer – Best Overall Herbicide
For beginners, Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer is a powerful solution for clearing autumn olive along fence rows. Its concentrated formula penetrates thick stems and roots for complete eradication. The ready-to-use spray simplifies application in tight and dense areas.
It contains glyphosate, a systemic chemical that moves throughout the plant, ensuring root death and preventing regrowth. Its broad-spectrum formula also handles other tough woody plants near fence lines. Careful spraying avoids harm to surrounding grasses or shrubs.
Users report excellent results even on mature shrubs. Its professional-grade strength ensures long-lasting control for homeowners and land managers. Gloves and eye protection are recommended during application for safety.
Pros:
• Woody-shrub killer
• Fast-acting
• Root-penetrating
• Ready-to-use
• Effective
• Broad-use
• Reliable
Cons:
• Strong chemical
• Expensive
• Non-selective
2. Garlon 4 Ultra Herbicide – Best Professional-Grade Solution
Beginners seeking a professional-grade herbicide will benefit from Garlon 4 Ultra for autumn olive control. Its triclopyr formulation is highly effective on woody shrubs and invasive vines. It kills both above-ground growth and root systems for permanent removal.
This product is widely used by landscapers and land managers to maintain fence rows and pastures. Its systemic action ensures minimal regrowth, even in stubborn infestations. It is suitable for use near non-crop areas and does not harm grasses when applied carefully.
Homeowners report visible dieback within 7–14 days. The concentrated solution allows precise mixing based on area size. Protective gear is necessary due to its strong chemical content.
Pros:
• Professional-grade
• Root-killing
• Fast-results
• Large-area
• Reliable
• Systemic
• Effective
Cons:
• Requires PPE
• Expensive
• Concentrate
3. Ortho Brush-B-Gon Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer – Best Ready-To-Use
For beginners, Ortho Brush-B-Gon is a convenient ready-to-use herbicide for autumn olive along fences. Its pre-mixed bottle simplifies application for homeowners. The product effectively kills both shrubs and small trees with minimal effort.
It contains glyphosate combined with other active ingredients to destroy tough stems and roots. Spray directly on leaves and stems to ensure thorough coverage. The formulation reduces drift to nearby desirable plants when applied carefully.
Users report fast results with visible wilting in 24–48 hours. Its ready-to-use nature eliminates the need for mixing or complicated sprayer setups. It is ideal for small to medium fence lines.
Pros:
• Ready-to-use
• Easy-spray
• Root-killing
• Fast-results
• Convenient
• Reliable
• Safe
Cons:
• Non-selective
• Small bottle
• Expensive
4. Triclopyr Brush Killer Concentrate – Best for Woody Shrubs
Triclopyr Brush Killer Concentrate is ideal for beginners managing dense autumn olive along fence rows. Its concentrated formula allows for customized dilution for various infestation levels. The product attacks both leaves and roots, preventing regrowth.
It is particularly effective on woody shrubs and invasive vines. Systemic action ensures thorough eradication. Careful application avoids harm to nearby desirable plants.
Homeowners and landscapers appreciate its reliability and versatility. Visible results usually appear within one to two weeks. Its concentrated nature is perfect for larger areas and long-term control.
Pros:
• Root-killing
• Concentrated
• Versatile
• Woody-shrub
• Systemic
• Large-area
• Effective
Cons:
• Requires PPE
• Strong chemical
• Non-selective
5. Roundup ProMax Herbicide – Best Long-Term Fence Row Control
For beginners, Roundup ProMax offers professional-grade control for autumn olive and other tough shrubs along fence rows. Its high-concentration glyphosate kills roots and above-ground growth. The product is suitable for homeowners and commercial land managers alike.
The systemic action ensures minimal regrowth even in mature shrubs. It is ideal for long fence lines and large overgrown areas. Application requires gloves and eye protection for safety.
Users report visible wilting in 24–48 hours, with complete death in a week. Its compatibility with sprayers allows coverage of large areas efficiently. Repeat applications ensure persistent control for stubborn shrubs.
Pros:
• Professional-grade
• Long-lasting
• Root-killing
• Fast-action
• Large-area
• Reliable
• Effective
Cons:
• Expensive
• Strong chemical
• PPE required
6. Bonide KleenUp Brush & Vine Killer – Best For Sensitive Areas
Bonide KleenUp is perfect for beginners targeting autumn olive near ornamental plants or sensitive areas. Its liquid formula allows precision spraying while reducing drift. The product effectively kills shrubs from foliage to roots.
It contains glyphosate blended with agents to penetrate woody stems. Nearby grasses and flowers remain unharmed with careful application. Its small size is convenient for residential use.
Homeowners report minimal odor and visible dieback in a few days. It is ideal for small fence lines or garden edges. Careful application ensures safety and effective control.
Pros:
• Targeted
• Soil-safe
• Root-killing
• Fast-acting
• Easy-store
• Low-odor
• Precise
Cons:
• Small bottle
• Expensive
• Requires care
7. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate – Best Versatile Option
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate is suitable for beginners seeking versatility in autumn olive control. Its concentrated formula allows custom mixing based on infestation severity. Glyphosate kills both roots and foliage for long-term eradication.
It works on fences, driveways, and overgrown areas. Visible wilting appears in days. Large bottle sizes provide sufficient coverage for multiple treatments.
Gardeners report cost-effective and reliable results. Repeated application prevents re-infestation. Its flexible use makes it ideal for small and large fence rows.
Pros:
• Concentrated
• Versatile
• Root-killing
• Adjustable-mix
• Cost-effective
• Quick-results
• Large-coverage
Cons:
• Non-selective
• Strong odor
• Requires sprayer
8. KillzAll Ready-To-Use Herbicide – Best Quick Action
For beginners, KillzAll Ready-To-Use provides rapid autumn olive control along fence rows. Its pre-mixed solution eliminates the need for measuring or mixing. The systemic action kills leaves and roots for permanent removal.
It is effective on multiple weeds and woody shrubs. Visible results appear within 24–48 hours. The bottle is lightweight and easy to handle.
Users appreciate its simplicity and immediate results. It is ideal for small and medium fence lines. Repeat treatments ensure complete eradication.
Pros:
• Fast-acting
• Ready-to-use
• Root-killing
• Convenient
• Easy-apply
• Lightweight
• Effective
Cons:
• Non-selective
• Expensive
• Small bottle
9. Roundup Concentrate Plus – Best Long-Term Control
Roundup Concentrate Plus is ideal for beginners seeking long-term autumn olive control. Its concentrated glyphosate formula penetrates roots for complete eradication. Users can mix to suit small or large fence rows.
Systemic action prevents regrowth. Large container sizes provide multiple applications. Repeat treatments improve results in stubborn areas.
Gardeners report reliable and consistent performance. Protective gear is recommended when handling. Its professional-grade formulation ensures lasting control.
Pros:
• Long-lasting
• Concentrated
• Root-killing
• Cost-effective
• Versatile
• Large-coverage
• Reliable
Cons:
• Strong chemical
• PPE required
• Non-selective
10. Garlon 3A Herbicide – Best Woody Shrub Control
Garlon 3A is perfect for beginners tackling dense autumn olive along fence lines. Its triclopyr formulation targets woody stems and roots effectively. It is ideal for large, overgrown fence rows or pastures.
Systemic penetration prevents regrowth. The concentrate can be applied using backpack or hand sprayers. Protective gear is essential due to its strength.
Users report excellent long-term control, especially on mature shrubs. Its systemic action reduces the need for repeated clearing. Garlon 3A is a trusted choice for professionals and homeowners alike.
Pros:
• Woody-shrub
• Root-killing
• Professional-grade
• Large-area
• Reliable
• Fast-action
• Effective
Cons:
• Requires PPE
• Concentrate
• Strong chemical
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Herbicide for Autumn Olive Fence Rows
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Herbicide Type – Glyphosate or triclopyr-based products are most effective for woody shrubs.
-
Ready-to-Use vs Concentrate – Ready-to-use sprays are beginner-friendly; concentrates are cost-efficient for large areas.
-
Application Method – Hand or backpack sprayers allow precise coverage; large sprayers suit long fence lines.
-
Infestation Size – Dense fence rows require professional-grade solutions.
-
Environmental Safety – Avoid drift near desirable plants; some formulas are safe for sensitive soils.
-
Regrowth Prevention – Systemic herbicides prevent root regrowth and reduce repeated applications.
-
Speed of Action – Some products show visible wilting in 24 hours; others take days.
Autumn Olive Herbicides FAQs
1. How soon will the shrubs die?
Most systemic herbicides show wilting in 1–2 days; complete death occurs within 7–14 days.
2. Can I apply near grass or flowers?
Certain products, like Bonide KleenUp, are safe if applied carefully.
3. How often should I reapply?
Repeat applications may be necessary for stubborn or large shrubs.
4. Can I plant other species afterward?
Wait 1–2 weeks after application; check label instructions.
5. Are these safe for pets?
Keep pets away until the product dries completely.
6. Does rain affect efficacy?
Rainproof herbicides are effective after 30–60 minutes of drying.
7. Are organic options effective?
Organic herbicides are slower and less reliable on mature autumn olive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best herbicide for autumn olive fence rows combines systemic action with root-killing efficiency. Roundup Poison Ivy Plus is the top choice for ease of use, fast action, and reliable results, while Garlon 4 Ultra serves as the runner-up for professional-grade performance on dense fence rows.
Products like Ortho Brush-B-Gon and Bonide KleenUp are ideal for homeowners managing small areas or sensitive landscapes. Roundup ProMax and Spectracide Concentrate provide large-area coverage and long-term control.
For immediate action, KillzAll Ready-To-Use and Roundup Concentrate Plus are excellent for quick visible results. Garlon 3A is perfect for persistent woody shrubs requiring concentrated professional solutions.
Choose the right herbicide, follow label directions, wear protective gear, and protect surrounding vegetation. Take control of your fence rows today to prevent autumn olive from overrunning your property.
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