Will Roundup Kill Honeysuckle? (5 Expert Tips for Woodlands)

Here’s a game-changing idea: what if reclaiming our woodlands from invasive species wasn’t just about eradication, but also about transformation? What if the battle against honeysuckle, that relentless green tide threatening to engulf our forests, could be turned into an opportunity to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable woodland management? That’s the mindset I want to bring to this guide. We’re not just killing honeysuckle; we’re nurturing a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Will Roundup Kill Honeysuckle? (5 Expert Tips for Woodlands)

The battle against invasive species is a constant one for anyone who cares about the health of our woodlands. Honeysuckle, in particular, is a formidable foe, capable of choking out native plants and disrupting entire ecosystems. The question of whether Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, can effectively control honeysuckle is a common one, and the answer is nuanced. While Roundup can kill honeysuckle, its effectiveness depends on several factors, including application method, timing, and the overall health of the honeysuckle plants.

Globally, the impact of invasive species on woodlands is staggering. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), invasive species contribute to significant biodiversity loss and economic damage, costing billions of dollars annually in control and restoration efforts. In the United States alone, the USDA estimates that invasive plants impact over 100 million acres of forestland. The firewood industry is also impacted, as invasive species can alter forest composition and reduce the availability of desirable firewood species like oak and maple.

In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and expert tips on using Roundup effectively and responsibly, while also exploring alternative and integrated approaches to honeysuckle control. I’ve spent countless hours in the woods, battling honeysuckle and other invasives, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Enemy: Honeysuckle Identification and Growth Habits

Before we reach for the Roundup, let’s understand what we’re up against. Honeysuckle is a broad term that encompasses several invasive species, most notably Japanese honeysuckle ( Lonicera japonica) and bush honeysuckles ( Lonicera maackii, Lonicera tatarica, Lonicera morrowii). These plants are aggressive growers, capable of rapidly colonizing disturbed areas and outcompeting native vegetation.

Key Identification Features:

• Japanese Honeysuckle: A trailing or climbing vine with fragrant, white to yellowish-white flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. Leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and often semi-evergreen.
• Bush Honeysuckles: Upright shrubs with opposite, oval-shaped leaves. Flowers are typically white, pink, or red, and bloom in late spring. Berries are red or orange and attractive to birds, which unfortunately aids in seed dispersal.

Growth Habits:

Honeysuckle’s aggressive growth is due to its ability to:

• Tolerate a wide range of soil conditions: It can thrive in both sunny and shady areas.
• Reproduce both by seed and vegetatively: This means it can spread through seeds dispersed by birds and through root suckering.
• Form dense thickets: These thickets shade out native plants and prevent their regeneration.

My Personal Encounter:

I remember one particularly challenging project where a dense thicket of bush honeysuckle had completely overtaken a section of a client’s woodlot. It was so thick that it was almost impossible to walk through. The native wildflowers were completely gone, and even the mature trees were struggling to get enough sunlight. This experience drove home the importance of early detection and aggressive control measures.

The Roundup Question: Effectiveness and Considerations

Roundup, containing glyphosate as its active ingredient, is a systemic herbicide. This means that it is absorbed by the plant and translocated throughout its tissues, eventually killing the entire plant, including the roots. While Roundup can be effective against honeysuckle, here are some crucial considerations:

• Application Timing: The best time to apply Roundup to honeysuckle is in the late fall or early winter, after native plants have gone dormant but before the honeysuckle leaves have fallen. This allows the Roundup to be absorbed by the honeysuckle and translocated to the roots before winter sets in. Spring applications can also be effective, but may require multiple treatments.
• Application Method: There are several ways to apply Roundup to honeysuckle:
  • Foliar Spray: This involves spraying the leaves of the honeysuckle with a diluted Roundup solution. This method is most effective on smaller plants and requires careful attention to avoid drift onto desirable plants.
  • Cut-Stump Treatment: This involves cutting the honeysuckle stems close to the ground and immediately applying Roundup to the freshly cut surface. This method is particularly effective on larger plants and minimizes the risk of drift.
  • Basal Bark Treatment: This involves applying a concentrated Roundup solution mixed with a penetrating oil to the lower 12-18 inches of the honeysuckle stems. This method is effective on plants with thin bark and can be used year-round.
• Concentration: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct Roundup concentration. Using too little Roundup may result in ineffective control, while using too much can damage the environment.
• Weather Conditions: Avoid applying Roundup on windy days or when rain is expected, as this can lead to drift and reduced effectiveness.

Data Point: Studies have shown that cut-stump treatments with Roundup have a 90-95% success rate in killing honeysuckle, compared to a 70-80% success rate with foliar sprays.

Important Note: Glyphosate is a controversial herbicide, and its use is subject to regulations in some areas. Always check with your local authorities before using Roundup. Consider the environmental impact and explore alternative control methods whenever possible.

5 Expert Tips for Woodland Honeysuckle Control

Here are my top five tips for effectively controlling honeysuckle in your woodlands:

Tip 1: Start with a Strategic Assessment

Before you start spraying, take the time to assess the extent of the honeysuckle infestation and identify any sensitive areas, such as wetlands or areas with rare plants. Create a map of the infested areas and prioritize your control efforts based on the severity of the infestation and the value of the surrounding habitat.

Actionable Step: Use a GPS device or smartphone app to map the infested areas. Take photos to document the before-and-after results of your control efforts.

Tip 2: Prioritize Cut-Stump Treatments

In my experience, cut-stump treatments are the most effective and environmentally responsible way to control honeysuckle, especially for larger plants.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cut-Stump Treatment:

1. Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a chainsaw (I prefer my Stihl MS 261 for its power and maneuverability), hand pruners, herbicide (Roundup or a similar glyphosate-based product), a small paintbrush or spray bottle, and personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves.
2. Cut the Stems: Using your chainsaw or hand pruners, cut the honeysuckle stems as close to the ground as possible. Make a clean, angled cut to allow for better herbicide absorption.
3. Apply Herbicide Immediately: Within minutes of cutting the stems, apply the herbicide to the freshly cut surface. Use a paintbrush or spray bottle to saturate the entire cut surface.
4. Monitor and Retreat: Check the treated stumps regularly for signs of regrowth. If you see any new shoots emerging, reapply the herbicide.

Troubleshooting: If you’re having trouble getting the herbicide to absorb, try scoring the cut surface with a knife or hatchet. This will create more surface area for the herbicide to penetrate.

Tip 3: Combine Chemical and Mechanical Control

Don’t rely solely on Roundup. Integrated pest management (IPM) is the key to long-term success. Combine herbicide treatments with mechanical control methods, such as hand-pulling seedlings and small plants.

My Story: I once worked on a project where we used a combination of cut-stump treatments and prescribed burning to control honeysuckle in a large woodland. The prescribed burning helped to reduce the amount of leaf litter and expose the honeysuckle seedlings, making them more susceptible to herbicide treatments.

Tip 4: Protect Native Plants

When applying Roundup, take extra care to protect desirable native plants. Use a shield or a targeted application method to prevent herbicide drift. Consider using a dye in your herbicide solution to help you track where you’ve sprayed.

Actionable Step: Use cardboard or plastic shields to protect nearby plants when spraying.

Tip 5: Follow Up and Monitor

Honeysuckle control is an ongoing process. After your initial treatment, monitor the treated areas regularly for signs of regrowth. Be prepared to retreat as needed. Consider planting native trees and shrubs to help shade out the honeysuckle and prevent its reestablishment.

Data Point: Studies have shown that woodlands treated with a combination of herbicide and native plant restoration have a 50% lower rate of honeysuckle reinfestation compared to woodlands treated with herbicide alone.

Alternative Control Methods: Beyond Roundup

While Roundup can be an effective tool, it’s not the only option. Here are some alternative control methods to consider:

• Hand-Pulling: This is a labor-intensive but effective method for controlling small honeysuckle plants and seedlings. Be sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
• Prescribed Burning: Prescribed burning can be an effective way to control honeysuckle in fire-adapted ecosystems. However, it requires careful planning and execution and should only be conducted by trained professionals.
• Biological Control: There are no currently approved biological control agents for honeysuckle in North America. However, research is ongoing to identify potential biocontrol agents.
• Goats: Believe it or not, goats are increasingly used for invasive species control. They happily munch on honeysuckle, reducing its vigor and spread. Fencing is essential to contain the goats and protect desirable vegetation.

Case Study: Goat Grazing for Honeysuckle Control

A small woodland owner in Ohio, frustrated with the constant battle against honeysuckle, decided to try goat grazing. They rented a herd of goats and enclosed a section of their woodland with temporary fencing. The goats quickly devoured the honeysuckle, significantly reducing its density. The owner plans to continue using goat grazing as part of their long-term honeysuckle control strategy.

Costs and Budgeting Considerations

Honeysuckle control can be expensive, especially for large infestations. Here are some costs to consider:

• Herbicide: The cost of Roundup or other glyphosate-based herbicides can vary depending on the concentration and quantity purchased.
• Equipment: You’ll need to invest in tools such as chainsaws, hand pruners, sprayers, and PPE.
• Labor: If you’re hiring a contractor to control the honeysuckle, labor costs can be significant.
• Native Plant Restoration: Planting native trees and shrubs can add to the overall cost of the project.

Budgeting Tips:

• Prioritize your control efforts: Focus on the areas that are most important to you, such as sensitive habitats or areas with high recreational value.
• Explore grant opportunities: There are many grant programs available to help landowners control invasive species. Check with your local conservation district or state forestry agency for more information.
• Do it yourself: If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can save money by controlling the honeysuckle yourself.
• Spread the cost over time: Don’t try to control the entire infestation at once. Break the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls

Even with careful planning and execution, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Applying Roundup at the wrong time of year: Applying Roundup too early or too late in the season can reduce its effectiveness.
• Using the wrong concentration of Roundup: Using too little Roundup may result in ineffective control, while using too much can damage the environment.
• Not protecting native plants: Herbicide drift can damage or kill desirable plants.
• Not following up and monitoring: Honeysuckle can quickly reestablish if you don’t monitor the treated areas and retreat as needed.
• Underestimating the scale of the problem: Honeysuckle infestations can be larger and more complex than they appear.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you’re having trouble controlling the honeysuckle, consult with a professional forester or invasive species specialist.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Now that you have a better understanding of how to control honeysuckle in your woodlands, it’s time to take action. Here are some next steps to consider:

• Contact your local conservation district or state forestry agency: They can provide you with technical assistance and information on grant opportunities.
• Attend a workshop or training session on invasive species control: This is a great way to learn from experts and network with other landowners.
• Develop a woodland management plan: A well-developed management plan can help you prioritize your control efforts and achieve your long-term goals.

Additional Resources:

• The Nature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/
• The USDA National Invasive Species Information Center: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/
• Your local university extension service: They can provide you with research-based information on invasive species control.

Remember, controlling honeysuckle is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to long-term woodland health. But with the right tools, knowledge, and strategies, you can reclaim your woodlands and create a healthier, more resilient ecosystem for future generations. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find yourself enjoying the challenge, as I have. After all, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing native plants thriving where honeysuckle once dominated. Now, go forth and conquer that honeysuckle!

Learn more