When should cut-stump treatments be applied?

Cut-stump treatments are designed to effectively manage unwanted vegetation, particularly woody plants. The best time to apply these treatments is immediately after cutting the plant down. This is because the plant's physiological processes are still active; the stumping cut creates an open wound on the plant. When the herbicide is applied right at this moment, it is more likely to be absorbed quickly into the plant’s vascular system, helping to ensure that it reaches the roots and effectively kills the plant.

Applying the treatment at the time of cutting takes advantage of the plant’s ability to absorb the herbicide before it has a chance to develop any protective responses or regrowth. Timing is crucial in this method since untreated stumps have a higher chance of resprouting, which would require additional management efforts and possibly more chemical applications down the line.

Other timing options, such as applying treatments after regrowth, during winter months, or in early spring, are less effective for cut-stump treatments since the opportunity for maximum herbicide uptake is significantly reduced after the initial cut.