I spent weeks earlier in the year cutting ivy from around the base of a lovely hawthorn tree. I've cut back to about 12" from the ground all around. I have since bought some deep root killer hoping to finish the job, but on reading the instructions realise it will be impossible to apply without contaminating the hawthorn. Has anyone got any tips on how to deal with it? There are about 8 ivy stems varying in thichness from 1 1/2 - 5 " in diameter and they completely surround the tree.

Thanks

Mis some weed killer with wallpaper paste, re-cut the ivy stumps so you have fresh living tisue showing. Paint on the weedkiller/paste mix.
You could cover it with plastic bags aswell if your worried about pets or wildlife getting to close.

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I spent weeks earlier in the year cutting ivy from around the base of a
lovely hawthorn tree. I've cut back to about 12" from the ground all
around. I have since bought some deep root killer hoping to finish the
job, but on reading the instructions realise it will be impossible to
apply without contaminating the hawthorn.

Why There are only eight ivy stems, and all you have to do is paint
rootkiller onto the cut stump of each one. Normal practice is to slip
plastic over the top of a treated stump and tie it on, to prevent rain
washing the stuff out. So I don't see why the rootkiller could be in
contact with the hawthorn at all, or affect it.


Janet

--
Isle of Arran Open Gardens weekend 21,22,23 July 2006
5 UKP three-day adult ticket (funds go to island charities) buys entry
to 26 private gardens

I have not opened the box but I presumed it was crystals. The ivy stumps are attached closely to the tree and I don't think that I can get any plastic between them and the bark without doing a bit of damage, I was also worried that is I applied the crystals and it then rained that then liquid root killer would soak down into the ground and affect the Hawthorn roots too. Although it did flower this year it was very overgrown with ivy overwinter and I suspect may be a bit compromised anyway.
Having saved it from the ivy, I did not want to risk poisoning it.

Sounds like a clever idea penance. Do you have any idea how long the poison remains in an active state once it is applied?