The Brazilian Pepper Tree (BPT), Schinus terebinthifolia, is an invasive evergreen shrub or small tree that has become a problem in warm climate regions, particularly in Florida, Texas, California, and Hawaii. This species aggressively displaces native vegetation, often forming dense, impenetrable thickets that disrupt local ecosystems. Eradication is necessary due to the BPT’s ability to quickly colonize disturbed areas and its negative impact on biodiversity. Effective removal requires a targeted approach, as this plant is difficult to eliminate and readily resprouts if only partially treated.
Identifying the Invasive Brazilian Pepper Tree
The Brazilian Pepper Tree is characterized by its dark green, glossy leaves, which are alternate and compound, typically featuring between five and nine leaflets. When crushed, the leaves and sap emit a resinous, aromatic scent. The most recognizable feature is the dense clusters of small, bright red berries, or drupes, which appear mainly in late fall and winter months.
The plant belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes poison ivy and poison oak. The sap and leaves contain compounds that can cause skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and eye irritation in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, the flowers and crushed fruit can release chemicals that may act as respiratory irritants. Wearing long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection is a necessary precaution when working near the BPT.
Non-Chemical Removal: Cutting and Grinding
For small, juvenile Brazilian Pepper Trees, physical removal, often called grubbing, can be attempted by carefully digging up the entire plant, including the root system. However, for established shrubs and trees, simple cutting is usually ineffective and may even worsen the problem. The Brazilian Pepper Tree readily resprouts from the stump and any remaining root fragments. Cutting down a large tree without immediate follow-up treatment stimulates aggressive regrowth from the cut surface.
Stump grinding can reduce the visible bulk of the plant, but this mechanical method does not kill the extensive root system. If the entire root crown is not fully removed, the plant will still send up new shoots from the remaining root material. Therefore, mechanical methods are best used as preparation before a chemical treatment is applied. For a successful and permanent kill, the cut stumps must be treated with a systemic herbicide immediately after the trunk is severed.
Herbicide Application Strategies
Chemical treatment is the most reliable method for achieving permanent control of the Brazilian Pepper Tree by delivering a systemic herbicide to the root system. Herbicides containing the active ingredients Triclopyr or Glyphosate are recommended for their effectiveness against BPT. The optimal time for application is typically in the late summer or fall when the plant is actively moving resources down to the roots, which maximizes the herbicide’s translocation.
Cut-Stump Method
The cut-stump method is effective for larger, established trees and involves cutting the trunk as close to the ground as possible. The herbicide must be applied directly to the fresh cut surface, specifically targeting the cambium layer, the thin ring of living tissue just inside the bark. This application must be done within five minutes of cutting to ensure the herbicide is absorbed before the plant seals the wound. Concentrated Triclopyr amine or high-concentration Glyphosate products are preferred for this technique.
Basal Bark Treatment
Basal bark application is suitable for trees with trunks up to about six inches in diameter. This method involves spraying an oil-soluble herbicide, such as Triclopyr ester, mixed with a penetrating oil. The mixture is applied completely around the lower 12 to 18 inches of the trunk. The oil carrier helps the herbicide penetrate the bark and move systemically through the plant without requiring any cutting. This method is useful when the tree is fruiting, as it avoids spreading seeds that might occur during the cutting process.
Foliar Spray
Foliar spray is used for small seedlings and young plants that are less than four feet tall. A water-soluble mixture of a broad-spectrum herbicide like Triclopyr amine or Glyphosate is sprayed directly onto the leaves. It is necessary to cover the entire leaf surface until it is thoroughly wet, but avoid spraying to the point of runoff. This technique requires careful application to prevent drift that could damage desirable nearby vegetation.
Preventing Regrowth and Safe Debris Disposal
The eradication of the Brazilian Pepper Tree requires diligent follow-up monitoring after the initial treatment. The treated area must be monitored regularly for several months, as the plant’s aggressive root system will often attempt to send up new shoots or seedlings. Any resprouts or new seedlings that emerge should be treated immediately with a targeted foliar spray or a follow-up cut-stump treatment to prevent the root system from recovering.
The debris from the Brazilian Pepper Tree poses a specific hazard due to its toxicity and invasive nature. The plant material, including the wood, leaves, and berries, should never be burned, as the smoke releases irritating and noxious compounds that can cause severe respiratory reactions. Safe disposal methods include chipping the material for use as mulch, or bagging and transporting the debris to a designated landfill or specialized disposal facility. Care must also be taken not to spread the bright red berries, which contain seeds that can germinate and start a new infestation.