Herbicide Question

[Trapper330]

I'm wondering if the SFM-75 I sprayed last fall is somehow killing the trees I planted this spring? Sounds far fetched, but I've just noticed areas where I planted where I applied the SFM-75 the trees I planted - tamarack, alder, hybrid willow there's a huge mortality rate? Am I crazy??

 

[Ben.MN/WI]

I've never used that herbicide, but a quick search showed it is a pre/post mix for areas like RR tracks and other areas where no growth is desired.

It seems likely that could cause a problem for new seedlings.

 

[RGrizzzz]

I'm wondering if the SFM-75 I sprayed last fall is somehow killing the trees I planted this spring? Sounds far fetched, but I've just noticed areas where I planted where I applied the SFM-75 the trees I planted - tamarack, alder, hybrid willow there's a huge mortality rate? Am I crazy??

SFM has residual and will harm some tree species. I'd reread the label, and possibly check the Oust(name brand SFM) label too.

 

[Trapper330]

I've never used that herbicide, but a quick search showed it is a pre/post mix for areas like RR tracks and other areas where no growth is desired.

It seems likely that could cause a problem for new seedlings.

Yeah...ugh. another lesson learned! Dang!!!

 

[RGrizzzz]

Yeah...ugh. another lesson learned! Dang!!!

What were you trying to control or accomplish with the SFM75? You may have chosen the right product, but just planted too soon.

 

[Trapper330]

What were you trying to control or accomplish with the SFM75? You may have chosen the right product, but just planted too soon.

Trying to get stuff- tamarack, alder, willow, red osier, etc established in a marshy environment. Trying to kill reed canary to give seedlings a chance. Then use clethodim to later manage reed canary. Yeah, after further research, sfm-75 was not the right choice. I mean it's a desert now where I used it, but it really killed a lot of what I planted! Weird too because you can use SFM over pine trees, so it must be something with established root systems?? Im sure my mix was on the heavy side too.

 

[West_Fork]

Trying to get stuff- tamarack, alder, willow, red osier, etc established in a marshy environment. Trying to kill reed canary to give seedlings a chance. Then use clethodim to later manage reed canary. Yeah, after further research, sfm-75 was not the right choice. I mean it's a desert now where I used it, but it really killed a lot of what I planted! Weird too because you can use SFM over pine trees, so it must be something with established root systems?? Im sure my mix was on the heavy side too.

Decideuos trees often respond very differently than pines (gymnosperms).

 

[RGrizzzz]

Trying to get stuff- tamarack, alder, willow, red osier, etc established in a marshy environment. Trying to kill reed canary to give seedlings a chance. Then use clethodim to later manage reed canary. Yeah, after further research, sfm-75 was not the right choice. I mean it's a desert now where I used it, but it really killed a lot of what I planted! Weird too because you can use SFM over pine trees, so it must be something with established root systems?? Im sure my mix was on the heavy side too.

The folks we consulted with (NRCS, state foresters,.herbicide applicator) all suggested that SFM will help keep less desirable species from regenerating for a bit so the more desirable hardwood species would get a good start. We had a lot of fern to deal with, and got it sprayed fourth of July weekend. I'd suspect that what you planted would be affected by the SFM.