Ask the Steward- October 2025
Dan Ernst
Question: Why does my glyphosate foliar treatment sometimes seem ineffective?
Answer: Glyphosate is likely the most commonly used herbicide by woodland owners whether that be for cut stump, girdling or foliar treatments. It is also very effective, but like any herbicide it has its limitations. Among the most common foliar treatments for forestry and woodland settings are for the control of 1) invasive species like Asian bush honeysuckle, and 2) weed control when establishing new tree plantings. There are several possible causes of reduced efficacy. One of the most common is ‘hard water’. Glyphosate will bind to minerals in hard water and thereby become unavailable for uptake by the target plant foliage. This is easily remedied by adding ammonium sulphate to the water to bind the minerals before adding in the glyphosate. Note: you must fully dissolve the ammonium sulphate in the water before adding glyphosate to the mix. Condition of the target plants can also reduce efficacy. For example, plants under drought stress may be less able to uptake the herbicide due to reduced metabolic activity. Rain, heavy dew or frost on the foliage may also affect uptake. These can be remedied by not spraying before a rain event, waiting until the dew or frost dissipates and timing to avoid drought stress. Adding a surfactant can also improve herbicide uptake by the foliage. Surfactants act by reducing surface tension, spreading the herbicide droplets across the foliage and improving penetration of the leaf surface. Some glyphosate products come with a surfactant already added, but adding more may be beneficial. Using the correct herbicide application rate and timing can also be an issue. For example, with Asian bush honeysuckle- late summer and fall treatments are generally more effective than spring treatments. IMPORTANT: Read and follow the herbicide label. It will discuss application rates, surfactants and the use of ammonium sulphate. If in doubt, don’t guess- seek advice.
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Question: My family recently bought and are really enjoying their woodland property. Any gift suggestions for new woodland owners?
Answer:
Here’s are five ideas:
- · You can hardly go wrong with a starter pack containing a tree measuring stick and a good tree and wildflower field guide. A couple good guides by local authors are: 101 Trees of Indiana by Harrington, Jackson and Rathfon. And Wildflowers and Ferns of Indiana Forests by Jackson and Homoya. Forestry Suppliers, among others, is a good source for tools- including tree measuring sticks. www.forestry-suppliers.com
- · Link them with other landowners by gifting a membership to the Indiana Forest and Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA). Started in 1977 this group offers educational programs, periodic newsletter and even lobbies on behalf of woodland owners. It’s a great group. www.IFWOA.org
- · A good quality chainsaw, but only if you include chainsaw safety gear (chaps, helmet, gloves) and extract a promise to wear them. I have found a 14-16” saw to be sufficient for most work a landowner may need to do. I recently purchased an 8” mini-chainsaw (Milwaukee Fuel M18). It’s been great for cutting vines, invasive shrubs and material <4” in diameter.
- · Going along with the chainsaw theme, the DNR Division of Forestry and IFWOA periodically offer chainsaw safety courses. Check the IFWOA website.
- · For a big ticket item- a UTV is a very useful vehicle to get around on the property, maintain trails, treat invasives and enjoy the new woodland.
Congrats to your family on the land purchase and thank you for being its steward. We need good landowners.