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You’re correct to be skeptical about whether copper nails are able to kill trees. Is it a fable, or does it actually work?
In the abstract, it seems like a clean, easy, affordable plan. I’m not shocked that you’re thinking about it. To get you in a better position, I know from my experience that it is dependent.
It is contingent upon a variety of factors, including the size and, to a certain extent, the age of your tree. What kind of nails made from copper are used in what quantity? Finally, they will be employed, and how do you plan to use them to nail them to the tree?
I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to kill trees using nails. I’ll discuss my personal experience with tree removal.
Can You Kill A Tree With Copper Nails
Yes, the copper nail can be effective in taking down small trees. The larger the tree is, the less likely it is that this method will work.
I have been able to successfully apply this method on saplings with deep roots as well as juvenile trees and dwarf trees. The technique involves cutting the tree to a stump and then using multiple nails of 5 inches to drive vertically through the newly cut stump.
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How Do Copper Nails Kill Trees?
After being hammered into the tree’s root or trunk, the copper will then be oxidized and release a poisonous substance known as copper sulfur. Copper sulfate hinders cell growth and blocks nutrient pathways that lead to the death of the tree. Large trees require greater dosages, which means more nails. This is why this method is ideal for small to medium-sized trees.
To make a high-quality level of copper sulfate will require pure copper nails. Coated steel nails aren’t effective.
Copper sulfate solutions, in their purest form, pose the risk that they can be toxic to aquatic ecosystems as well as the wildlife that surrounds them, in accordance with Purdue University Forestry Dept. Utilizing copper as nails offers a low dose directly to the cambium cell layer, which is the heart of the tree responsible for transferring liquids and nutrients.
Oxidation
Copper oxidation occurs that occurs when copper is exposed to air, and water is corroded into various copper forms. You’ve probably heard of an oxidized copper form if you’ve observed green penny coins or even that of the Statue of Liberty.
Copper eventually oxidizes into copper sulfate. It could be harmful to humans, algae, fungi, bacteria, and plants. But, it’s only dangerous to humans if it is consumed or gets into the eyes but not in the body.
Stunts Cell Growth
The copper sulfate acts as a toxin in the tree, but it is a major cause of damage to the tree’s cells. The tree is unable to grow, and it will be unable to keep up with the destruction since it bonds to cells and kills them.
Leaf Damage
The poisonous copper can move through the tree, and eventually, it will cause damage to the leaves. The leaves will become yellow or white, and the tree won’t be able to absorb the nutrients from the sun due to the lack of chlorophyll.
Root Damage
The ideal place to put nails is at the root of the tree, close to and through the sources. By doing this, you cause direct physical harm to the roots and also create a pathway for copper poisoning to enter the tree. Additionally, the open wound within the tree is susceptible to diseases.
Killing A Tree With Copper Nails
When you realize the limitations of this technique and the necessity to nail the nails onto the cut stump, the process is about as simple, quick, and clean as you can come across. Below are five easy steps to help you navigate the procedure.
Insert Nails Near the Base Of The Tree
I’ve found it to be best to nail your nails deep into the trees near the base. It assists in getting the pins in the root and into the tree’s limbs.
The bigger the nail, the more powerful it is both in diameter and length, causing the maximum destruction. There is no set standard; however, the further the nail can penetrate, the deeper it is, the more effective the treatment will be.
In the event that you own a smaller tree you cut down, then you can drive the nails vertically down into the tree stump, as illustrated below. I hammered the whole length of nails deep into the stump. If left untreated, even a tiny stump of this kind will sprout new suckers or shoots and will begin to grow more quickly than you think.
Insert More Nails To Form A Ring Around The Bark Of The Tree
Continue to insert nails in rings that are one-half inch from each other. This can result in the greatest damage, as well as higher proportions of copper. It’s recommended to count the nails you have placed to be aware at the time of removing them.
Putting the nails on the entire ring on the bottom of the tree creates an ongoing layer of destruction with lots of copper. This is especially important for large trees.
Look Out For New Shoots
Now, it’s time to wait. The duration of the wait could be different, ranging from one to six months. The aim here will be more of a preventative approach. We want to stop the tree from growing. Therefore, keep an eye on the tree, cutting off new growth during the first month. After a month, I would think there would be no further strong shoots to sprout from the stump.
Remove The Nails Or Dig Out The Stump
Then, you can remove the remaining stump of the tree as well as the roots. In my backyard, the stumps were in the damp areas of my garden, so I chose to leave them to decay. I did take the nails off but to reduce the danger of copper sulfate negatively affecting the plants around it after the stump was decayed.
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