After the herbicide works, you’ll need to chop down your tree. Treating it in the late summer or fall will allow you to chop down the dead tree in the spring.

You can purchase an herbicide at a gardening store or online. Follow the instructions on the label while handling herbicide, as it can be hazardous. When using herbicide, always wear the proper protective gear, such as gloves, safety goggles, long sleeves, and pants. Check the label on the product to ensure that you wear all that is recommended.

Alternatively, you can chop into the wood with a hatchet. Twist your hatchet before removing it so that the bark comes away from the truck. Then pour your herbicide into the bark wounds. [5] X Research source This will kill the entire tree system, not just the most recent shoots.

You should treat each of the shoots for best results. [6] X Research source

For example, you could treat your tree in September and then cut it down in March.

As an alternative, you could pay someone to chop down the tree. You may also desire to dig out the trunk and root system, especially if you want to replant something in the area.

Over time, your aspen tree will grow more and more shoots, making it very difficult to manage it. The new shoots also weaken the tree overall, which makes your tree vulnerable to disease and cuts its lifespan.

Even damaged roots can grow new aspen shoots. Chopping up the roots is often unsuccessful. [10] X Research source

Drill holes into the stump and pour concentrated herbicide into them for extra strength. Hire a professional to grind and remove your stump completely. They will be trained to fully remove the stump and roots so you don’t have to worry about it.