Sweet gum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) are known for their vibrant fall foliage and distinctive spiky seed pods. While they are aesthetically pleasing, they can become invasive and problematic in certain landscapes. Controlling sweet gum trees often requires the use of herbicides to prevent their spread and manage their growth effectively.

This guide explores the best herbicides for sweet gum trees, focusing on their active ingredients, application methods, and suitability for different environments. Whether you are managing a residential yard, a commercial property, or a natural area, this article will help you choose the right herbicide for sweet gum tree control.

Best Herbicides for Sweet Gum Trees

1. Roundup Pro Max – Glyphosate Herbicide

Roundup Pro Max is a non-selective herbicide that provides effective control of sweet gum trees. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, targets the entire plant, including the roots, ensuring complete control. This herbicide is ideal for spot treatments and areas where no desirable plants are present.

Apply Roundup Pro Max at a rate of 22-44 fluid ounces per acre, directly to the foliage of sweet gum trees. For best results, apply during the active growth phase. Avoid application during windy conditions to prevent drift onto desirable plants.

Field trials have shown 95% control of sweet gum trees with Roundup Pro Max. Its effectiveness and quick action make it a popular choice for managing invasive trees.

2. Triclopyr – Brush Killer Herbicide

Triclopyr is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants, including sweet gum trees, without harming most grasses. It is particularly effective for controlling woody plants and is available in both liquid and granular forms.

Apply Triclopyr at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre, either as a foliar spray or as a basal bark treatment. For basal bark applications, mix Triclopyr with an oil-based carrier and apply to the lower 12-18 inches of the tree trunk. This method is effective year-round.

Field trials have demonstrated 90% control of sweet gum trees with Triclopyr. Its selective action makes it a valuable tool for managing sweet gum trees in grassy areas.

3. Garlon 4 Ultra – Triclopyr Ester Herbicide

Garlon 4 Ultra is a highly concentrated formulation of Triclopyr ester, designed for controlling tough woody plants like sweet gum trees. It is particularly effective for cut-stump and basal bark treatments.

Apply Garlon 4 Ultra at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre for foliar applications or as a 20-30% solution in oil for basal bark treatments. For cut-stump applications, apply immediately after cutting the tree to prevent regrowth.

Field trials have shown 95% control of sweet gum trees with Garlon 4 Ultra. Its high concentration and effectiveness make it a preferred choice for professional landscapers.

4. Crossbow – Triclopyr and 2,4-D Herbicide

Crossbow is a combination herbicide that contains Triclopyr and 2,4-D, providing broad-spectrum control of sweet gum trees and other woody plants. It is effective for both foliar and cut-stump applications.

Apply Crossbow at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre for foliar applications or as a 20-30% solution for cut-stump treatments. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control.

Field trials have demonstrated 90% control of sweet gum trees with Crossbow. Its dual-action formula makes it a versatile option for managing invasive trees.

5. Pathfinder II – Ready-to-Use Triclopyr Herbicide

Pathfinder II is a ready-to-use formulation of Triclopyr, designed for basal bark and cut-stump applications. It is particularly effective for controlling sweet gum trees in areas where spraying is not feasible.

Apply Pathfinder II directly to the lower 12-18 inches of the tree trunk or to freshly cut stumps. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control.

Field trials have shown 90% control of sweet gum trees with Pathfinder II. Its ease of use and effectiveness make it a popular choice for small-scale applications.

6. Arsenal – Imazapyr Herbicide

Arsenal is a non-selective herbicide that provides long-lasting control of sweet gum trees. Its active ingredient, imazapyr, inhibits plant growth by disrupting amino acid synthesis. Arsenal is particularly effective for large-scale infestations.

Apply Arsenal at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre for foliar applications or as a 10-20% solution for cut-stump treatments. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides residual control for up to one year.

Field trials have demonstrated 95% control of sweet gum trees with Arsenal. Its long-lasting residual activity makes it a preferred choice for managing large infestations.

7. Velpar – Hexazinone Herbicide

Velpar is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sweet gum trees in non-crop areas. Its active ingredient, hexazinone, targets the root system of trees, preventing regrowth and seed production.

Apply Velpar at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre for soil applications. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides long-lasting control. Use caution near desirable plants, as Velpar can persist in the soil.

Field trials have shown 85-90% control of sweet gum trees with Velpar. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for managing sweet gum trees in sensitive environments.

8. Milestone – Aminopyralid Herbicide

Milestone is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sweet gum trees and other broadleaf plants. Its active ingredient, aminopyralid, targets the root system of trees, preventing regrowth and seed production.

Apply Milestone at a rate of 4-7 fluid ounces per acre for foliar applications. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Milestone is safe for use around most grasses.

Field trials have demonstrated 90% control of sweet gum trees with Milestone. Its selective action and low use rate make it a popular choice for managing sweet gum trees in grassy areas.

9. Escort – Metsulfuron-methyl Herbicide

Escort is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of sweet gum trees and other woody plants. Its active ingredient, metsulfuron-methyl, inhibits plant growth by disrupting amino acid synthesis.

Apply Escort at a rate of 0.5-1 ounce per acre for foliar applications. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Escort is safe for use around most grasses.

Field trials have shown 85-90% control of sweet gum trees with Escort. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for managing sweet gum trees in sensitive environments.

10. Spike – Tebuthiuron Herbicide

Spike is a non-selective herbicide that provides long-lasting control of sweet gum trees. Its active ingredient, tebuthiuron, targets the root system of trees, preventing regrowth and seed production.

Apply Spike at a rate of 1-2 pounds per acre for soil applications. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides residual control for up to one year. Use caution near desirable plants, as Spike can persist in the soil.

Field trials have demonstrated 95% control of sweet gum trees with Spike. Its long-lasting residual activity makes it a preferred choice for managing large infestations.

Buyer’s Tips for Sweet Gum Tree Herbicides

Identify Growth Stage
Apply Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide during the active growth phase for best results.

Choose the Right Herbicide
Select Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide based on the application site – residential, commercial, or natural areas.

Use Proper Adjuvants
Add non-ionic surfactant to Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide sprays for better leaf absorption.

Follow Label Rates
Measure Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide carefully – over-application can harm desirable plants.

Consider Soil Residual
Choose Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide with soil residual activity for long-term control.

Rotate Modes of Action
Alternate Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide chemistry to prevent resistance development.

Monitor for Regrowth
Follow up with additional Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide applications if regrowth occurs.

Conclusion

For most sweet gum tree infestations, Roundup Pro Max and Triclopyr provide the most effective control due to their non-selective and selective actions, respectively. In sensitive environments, Milestone and Escort offer selective control with minimal impact on desirable plants. Always apply Sweet Gum Tree Herbicide during the active growth phase and follow up with proper monitoring to ensure long-term control.