Triclopyr

Invasive weeds like Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, Poison Oak, and other types of invasive brush can often spring up where they are not wanted and interfere with the growth of desired vegetation. When this happens, using non-chemical control methods like manual pulling or cutting may not be an effective solution. That is why you should consider Triclopyr to clear out those weeds when you want the brush gone.

Here at Solutions Pest and Lawn, we get a lot of customers who contact us who are dealing with tough broadleaf weeds invading their vegetation and crops they are trying to grow. More often than not, we recommend they try Triclopyr-based products to eliminate those hard-to-control weeds that ruin their gardens, ranges, and pastures. Learn more about Triclopyr on this page and shop our top recommended Triclopyr-based product here.

What is Triclopyr?

Triclopyr is a selective herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds and brush and can be used in areas where desirable grasses are growing under or around invasive woody plants.

There are two forms of Triclopyr--amine and ester--which vary in terms of the species they can treat and methods of usage. Solutions Pest & Lawn carries the ester variation, which is best for penetrating bark and can be used for foliar, cut stem, and basal bark applications. Amine variations are better in turf settings and when drift is a concern. The active ingredient has also been used as an aquatic herbicide for some weeds which grow on ponds and lakes. 

How Does Triclopyr Work?

Mode of Action

Triclopyr destroys targeted plants by imitating an essential plant growth hormone (auxin). The auxin imitation causes the target plant to suffer abnormal growth. The affected plant grows faster than normal, which overwhelms it and causes it to die.

Benefits of Triclopyr

Triclopyr is a selective post-emergent active ingredient, meaning it targets specific weeds and largely has no harmful effects on desired vegetation in close proximity to when applied. It is also useful against brush, sparing the need to use non-chemical methods to remove brush, like manual pulling or cutting, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Triclopyr has demonstrated that it works faster than Glyphosate when killing problem weeds.

Use Triclopyr for weed control in residential and commercial areas, industrial sites, rights-of-way, and around rangelands and pastures. Variations of this active ingredient can also be used to treat certain aquatic weeds.

Drawbacks of Triclopyr

Triclopyr is a potent product, so be careful not to overapply it. Apply it near areas where your desired ornamental bushes and plants are. Triclopyr is also slow-acting, so those who desire a faster kill of unwanted vegetation will have to be patient or try a different product for their target weed.

Is Triclopyr Safe?

Triclopyr is safe to use when applied carefully according to the label directions. Stay off the treated area until the product has fully dried.

Always use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) before applying Triclopyr. Gloves, protective glasses, and long-sleeve clothing should provide the minimum level of protection when handling this chemical. Refer to the product label for specific safety instructions.

What To Expect

When applied, Triclopyr works systemically, moving throughout the plant tissue and killing the plant by hindering plant growth and development processes. Following treatment, the affected plant will suffer abnormalities and look deformed before slowly dying within two to three weeks after application. 

You can mix Triclopyr with other herbicides, such as glyphosate, to improve its killing power and the range of plants it can kill. Check the label to see which specific herbicides are approved for tank mixing.

For more persistent weeds, follow-up applications may be necessary to get complete control.

Featured Products

Triclopyr 4 Brush Killer - Triclopyr 4 Herbicide is the same as Garlon 4 Herbicide and is designed to control mesquite, sumac, tallow, poison oak, cactus, and other heavy brush. Triclopyr 4 provides excellent selective control of brush and broadleaf weeds without damaging grasses.