How To Kill A Tree - Can Vinegar Kill A Tree?

Topical application of white vinegar to the leaves alone is not enough to completely kill a tree, but killing the leaves prevents the tree from photosynthesizing and transferring carbohydrates to the roots, which can slowly kill it. ... Drill holes in the trunk or top of the stump and fill them with vinegar.

Household vinegar burns plant leaves and can also burn the living tissue inside a tree. White vinegar contains 5 percent acetic acid compared to 20 percent acetic acid from horticultural vinegar. Topical application of white vinegar to the leaves alone is not enough to completely kill a tree, but killing the leaves prevents the tree from photosynthesizing and transferring carbohydrates to the roots, which can slowly kill it. To speed up the process, you need a way to get the vinegar to the roots without drastically increasing the acidity in the soil for future plants. Drill holes in the trunk or top of the stump and fill them with vinegar. Check back frequently to add more as the tree drinks the vinegar. Large trees die within a month but will die even faster when you use vinegar along with the salt treatment.