How fast to Sweet gum stumps rot?

By Grant Woods,

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← Grant's Answers — Habitat Management
Question
I just saw the episode on Youtube about hack and spray. My father and I are beginning to bring back a food plot that we had years ago. The main obstacle/opportunity to this endeavor is the sweet gum trees that have taken over. The majority of the trees are 2 to 4 inches in diameter. If we hack and spray now when can we turn that field over with the stumps and roots being rotten?
Thanks for your help, Don

Don,

Imazapyr based products are probably the best options for killing sweet gums using the hack n squirt method.  Unfortunately the stumps probably won’t rot between now and spring.  I suggest you treat the trees now, and either cut them off at ground level this spring and use the broadcast or no-till drill to plant or treat and then have equipment remove the stumps.

Enjoy creation,

grant

December 16, 2015