Privet Problems?

By Harold Bearden
Friday, April 1, 2011 | 9:04 AM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=692

Mike Henshaw, Winston County Extension Coordinator, spoke to the Haleyville Rotary Club Thursday about getting rid of the Chinese privet. As Mike pointed out, anyone with two or more acres most likely has problem privet growing on their property. The privet, which is part of the olive family, can actually choke out other native plant species. It shades out all herbaceous plants. Cutting down the plant does not kill it. The recommendation is to cut the plant near the ground, then immediately apply a herbicide such as glyphosate to the stump. This will kill the root system. Round Up is a well known product for the job, however there are less expensive products with the same ingredients. Be sure to check the label to make sure the product has at least a 41% active ingredient to be effective. For more information about getting rid or privet or any general question about forestry, wildlife and natural resources, contact Mike at 205-489-5376. His office is in the old health department building on Highway 195 in Double Springs.