by:Bill Gray
Nov 5^th, 2025

Controlling Privet – Now is the Time Timber & Terrain

Privet, (Ligustrum sinense) known as Chinese or European Privet, is a non-native invasive thicket forming shrub that is troublesome for many landowners across the southeastern US. It has no significant wildlife or commercial value and often presents an impediment to the beneficial practice of prescribed burning. While it thrives in drainages and creek bottoms, it also persists in upland sites. It spreads by root sprouts and is also distributed by seeds via birds and small mammals. It is often present in fence rows and other sites where birds congregate and is widely adapted to a variety of sites.

Mechanical vs. Chemical

Control measures for privet are typically mechanical in the form of mulching or mowing or chemical, via herbicides. On established stands of privet, mechanical control may not be the best option. While the privet above ground may be removed, there remains a well-established root system underground. Privet will resprout after mechanical control and will require additional mowing or mulching to remove the sprouting. Many landowners treat resprouting privet with herbicide after an initial mechanical treatment. Often, these herbicide treatments aren’t effective because the resprouted privet doesn’t contain enough leaf surface to translocate sufficient herbicide to the root system.

Mechanical alone ≠ lasting control.

Best Timing

In most cases, the best way to control privet is with an herbicide treatment. While it may seem counterintuitive, privet should not be treated with herbicide during the spring and summer when it is actively growing. The optimal time to apply herbicide to privet is from October through February. Herbicide may be applied as a foliar spray or in the form of a basal bark treatment.

Window: October–February.

Foliar Application

For foliar applications, apply a 3% by volume of glyphosate with a surfactant at ½ of 1%. More simply, use 4 ounces of glyphosate per gallon of water along with 6/10ths of an ounce of surfactant per gallon. For example, a 20-gallon solution would require 80 ounces of glyphosate and 12 ounces of surfactant. Thoroughly wet all leaves but avoid spraying to the point of excessive run off. For privet too tall to apply a thorough foliar treatment, a basal bark treatment should be used. Basal bark treatments involve applying an herbicide solution directly to the main stem of the privet plant. This can be done using a brush or a sprayer. Brushing can be time consuming, but spraying can result in a wasted herbicide in the form of overspray.

Mix rates + coverage notes.

Basal Bark Treatment

Basal bark treatments should include a triclopyr ester herbicide with a carrier such as basal oil, crop oil, or diesel fuel. It is important to not confuse triclopyr amine with the ester formulation. Generally, amine formulations of triclopyr are denoted with the number 3 and esters are denoted with the number 4. For example, Garlon 3 is an amine and Garlon 4 is an ester. Triclopyr via basal bark treatment should be applied as a 20% by volume solution along with 2 ½ quarts of carrier per 3 gallons of water. A typical backpack sprayer application would require 3 gallons of water, 76 ounces of triclopyr ester and 2 ½ quarts of a carrier. Apply to 24 inches of the main stem, being sure to treat the entire outer surface of that 2-foot section of stem.

Use ESTER (e.g., “4” labels), not amine.

After Treatment & Follow-Up

After a successful herbicide treatment during the dormant season, privet will slowly die off and not green up the following spring. Privet is a shallow rooted shrub and can usually be easily pushed up with a front-end loader or similar equipment once it is dead. Summer is often the best time to remove dead privet. Privet control is an ongoing process so landowners must be vigilant in spotting new privet brought in by birds and other animals. Treating newly established privet with a foliar spray or even frequent mowing will help keep it under control. The main objective should be to prevent privet from becoming established again in treated areas.

Remove dead stems; scout edges.

FAQs

When should I apply herbicide?

October through February for best root-level control.

Is mechanical control enough?

No. It removes top growth but not the root system; resprouts are common.

What is the foliar mix?

3% glyphosate + 0.5% surfactant. Per gallon: 4 oz glyphosate + 0.6 oz surfactant.

Which triclopyr do I use for basal bark?

Triclopyr ester (e.g., “4” labels) at 20% v/v in oil carrier; treat the lowest 24″ of stem.

What happens after treatment?

Slow die-off and no spring green-up. Remove dead shrubs in summer and keep scouting for re-invasion.

Bill Gray

Land Professional in Alabama, Georgia, Florida

About Bill

Bill is a native of Houston County Alabama and resides in Ashford, Alabama. He received his B.S. in Wildlife Science from Auburn University in 1990. In May of 2020 he retired from a nearly 30-year career as a wildlife biologist with the Alabama Department of Conservation. He has over 3 decades of experience managing forested habitats for deer, turkey, and quail on public and private lands. Bill has provided land management assistance to countless landowners across Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and North Florida; helping them develop wildlife management plans, improve habitat, and create exceptional hunting experiences. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, and a licensed real estate agent in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. He has been recognized for his performance in land sales with a Realtors Land Institute Apex Producers Award and is one of Tutt Land Company’s top producers. Bill has attained the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation, joining just over 800 of the nation’s most skilled land professionals that hold this designation. Bill is keenly aware of the rewards and responsibilities of owning land. He helps seller clients market their properties for top dollar and handles every detail from contract to closing. He also helps buyers secure that perfect tract of land and enjoys assisting them in developing it to its full potential.