In hack and squirt applications, where is herbicide applied?

In hack and squirt applications, where is herbicide applied?

• A. Into the sapwood, bark opened
• B. On the outer bark only
• C. In the soil near the base
• D. Onto the canopy

Answer: (A)

Hack and squirt delivers herbicide into the tree’s living tissue so it can move systemically. A small wound is made into the sapwood, and the herbicide is squirted into that exposed area after the bark has been opened. The sapwood contains the living cells that take up the chemical and transport it throughout the tree, allowing the herbicide to kill the tree effectively. Applying to the outer bark wouldn’t reach living tissue in a way that’s translocated through the tree, soil near the base wouldn’t place the chemical into the tree’s vascular system, and applying to the canopy wouldn’t ensure the herbicide moves through the tree to kill it. That’s why the correct approach is to apply into the sapwood with the bark opened.

Hack and squirt delivers herbicide into the tree’s living tissue so it can move systemically. A small wound is made into the sapwood, and the herbicide is squirted into that exposed area after the bark has been opened. The sapwood contains the living cells that take up the chemical and transport it throughout the tree, allowing the herbicide to kill the tree effectively.

Applying to the outer bark wouldn’t reach living tissue in a way that’s translocated through the tree, soil near the base wouldn’t place the chemical into the tree’s vascular system, and applying to the canopy wouldn’t ensure the herbicide moves through the tree to kill it. That’s why the correct approach is to apply into the sapwood with the bark opened.