Cut-surface treatments are used to control plants with what characteristic?

• A. Thin bark
• B. Very small roots
• C. Thick bark or trunks larger than 5 inches in diameter at the base
• D. Leaves only

Answer: (C)

Cut-surface treatments rely on applying herbicide to the freshly cut surface of a stump so the chemical can move through the living vascular tissues and prevent resprouting from the root system. This method works best on plants with thick bark or large trunks, because their bark and size make other spray or basal applications less reliable, while the exposed cut surface provides direct access to the cambium for rapid uptake and systemic movement. So when you’re dealing with a tree that has thick bark or a base diameter over about five inches, treating the cut surface is the most effective way to kill or suppress regrowth. Smaller roots or leaves-only targets wouldn’t be addressed effectively by this approach.