An aralia stump, the remaining base of a cut-down Aralia plant, often presents a challenge in garden landscapes. These woody remnants are persistent and prone to sending up new growth, creating an ongoing maintenance issue. Addressing an aralia stump involves understanding its resilience and applying targeted removal and regrowth prevention strategies.
Understanding Aralia Stump Persistence
Aralia stumps exhibit persistence due to the plant’s robust root system, which stores significant energy reserves. This stored energy allows the plant to survive and regenerate even after its above-ground growth has been removed. Suckering or basal growth is a survival mechanism where dormant buds on the stump or along the roots are activated to produce new shoots.
When the main stem of an aralia is cut, the plant responds by attempting to regrow with increased vigor. This cutting action stimulates the activation of these dormant buds, leading to new shoots emerging from the stump or surrounding soil. The plant’s drive to replenish its energy stores fuels this regrowth, making it a persistent challenge for gardeners.
Methods for Aralia Stump Removal
Physical removal of an aralia stump involves either manual excavation or mechanical grinding. Manual removal requires digging out the stump and as much of its root system as possible. This process uses tools such as shovels, mattocks, and root saws to sever roots and pry the stump from the ground. Manual removal ensures the physical eradication of the plant’s base.
Mechanical removal, often through stump grinding, offers a less strenuous alternative. A stump grinder uses a rotating cutting wheel to chip away at the stump, reducing it to wood chips. These machines can grind the stump several inches below the soil line, eliminating the visible portion and disrupting the plant’s ability to sprout. When using a stump grinder, ensure the area is clear of debris to protect the blades.
Preventing Aralia Stump Regrowth
Preventing regrowth from an aralia stump, whether it has been partially removed or left in place, requires ongoing effort. One non-chemical method involves repeatedly cutting any new shoots or suckers as they emerge. This continuous removal depletes the energy reserves stored in the roots, eventually exhausting the plant’s ability to regenerate. Remove these suckers as close to their point of origin on the root as possible.
Chemical methods provide a direct approach to inhibiting regrowth. Applying an herbicide directly to the fresh cut surface of the stump is an effective strategy. Herbicides containing active ingredients like glyphosate or triclopyr are suitable for woody plants. For optimal results, apply these herbicides immediately after cutting, ideally within minutes, to ensure absorption before the plant’s natural defenses seal the cut surface.
A 20% solution of glyphosate or an undiluted triclopyr product designed for brush killing can be effective. Triclopyr is more consistently effective at any time of year, while glyphosate may have lower effectiveness from spring through early summer. Always read and follow the product label instructions for safe and effective application.