Hack-and-squirt, sometimes referred to as frill-and-spray, is a herbicide application method that applies the herbicide into the stem (trunk) and is used to target specific undesirable trees. There is a slight variance between hack-and-squirt and frill-and-spray. Generally, hack-and-squirt refers to a cut or series of cuts around the trunk of the tree determined by tree diameter. Frill(girdle)-and-spray refers to a continuous cut around the diameter of the tree. These herbicide application methods are efficient, economical, and easy for a landowner to use as a vegetation management tool. Typically, this method is more effective for smaller areas as it can be time-consuming for large treatment areas.
The beauty of the hack-and-squirt method is that applications can be made at any time of the year with a few exceptions. Spring, when the sap is flowing, is typically not a good time for hack-and-squirt, since the sap can push the herbicide out of the wound and cause the application to be ineffective. Also, during a drought is not a good time to apply herbicides as your kill rate will be greatly reduced. Winter is a great time to be out on your property using the hack-and-squirt method to control undesirable vegetation.
The tools needed and the application method for hack-and-squirt are simple. A machete or hatchet and a spray bottle are really the only tools needed. The hatchet is used to make a downward angle cut (approximately a 45- degree angle) in the stem of the tree (figure 1). The height of the cut should be a comfortable working height for the applicator which is typically around the waist area. The cut is then filled with herbicide using the spray bottle (figure 2). There is no need to overfill since the herbicide that runs out of the cut will be wasted. Depending on the label, generally, ñ to 1 ml of herbicide is applied to the cut. Larger trees may require more “hacks” around the stem. Typically, the label will define the spacing and will vary for different herbicides, for instance, it may read one hack for every three inches in diameter.
In table 1, several herbicides are listed that are labeled for hack-and-squirt or frill-and-spray. Keep in mind that there are various trade names that sell herbicides with the listed active ingredient. The table only lists a few common ones as examples. Make sure you read the label before you buy any herbicides to make sure it does list hack-and-squirt or frill-and-spray as an application method. The label is the law and it is very important that the label is followed for your safety and the health of the environment. Plus, if these methods are not listed, you may be wasting your time and money.
| Active Ingredient | Herbicide Trade Names | Application Method | Time Of Year/Sap Flow Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2, 4-D | 2,4-D Amine, 2,4-D Amine 4 | Frill or girdle: 2.5 oz per gallon of water | Any time of year but best during growing season. Avoid peak sap flow in spring |
| Dicamba | Vanquish | Frill or girdle: continuous overlapping cuts with a 1:1 or 1:3 mixture. | Any time of year. Avoid times during heavy sap flow in spring |
| Glyphosate | Accord XRT II, Roundup Pro | Hack-and-squirt: apply 1 ml per 2 to 3 inches of trunk diameter to evenly spaced cuts (50% to 100% solution). Frill or girdle: as tree diameter increase better results are achieved with continuous frill. (25% to 100% solution) |
Best during growing season after full leaf expansion. Avoid peak sap flow in spring |
| Imazapyr | Arsenal | Hack-and-Squirt: apply 1 ml per cut, make at least one cut for every 3 inches in diameter, space cuts evenly (100% solution) Frill: 2-inch interval between cuts, thoroughly wet cuts (25% to 100% solution) | Any time of year. Avoid times during heavy sap flow in spring |
| Triclopyr(amine) | Garlon 3A | Hack-and-squirt: apply 0.5 ml (undiluted) or 1 ml diluted (1:1) and make a continuous circle around tree. Frill or girdle: same as above | Any season. Avoid times of heavy sap flow in spring |
References:
Mississippi State Extension: Applying Herbicides with the Hack-and-Squirt Method- http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p3276.pdf
North Carolina State Extension: Accomplishing Forest Stewardship with Hand-Applied Herbicides- https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/accomplishing-forest-stewardship-with-hand-applied-herbicides
Penn State Extension: Using Hack-and-Squirt Herbicide Applications to Control Unwanted Trees- https://extension.psu.edu/using-hack-and-squirt-herbicide-applications-to-control-unwanted-trees
This article was originally featured in the Winter 2020 Version of CU in The Woods newsletter.
Author(s)
Jeff Fellers, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Agent
This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed.
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