Pouring copper sulfate on tree: is it allowed?

Copper sulfate (CuS0₄) is one of the most popular means of secretly dying a tree. Possible legal consequences are not taken into account. You can find out whether it is banned and how it works here.

Copper sulfates allowed?

If unwanted trees are to be removed without the effort of felling, many homeowners are interested in using agents such as copper sulfates. Also known as copper smoke, the effect is said to be helpful in the inconspicuous death of the plant. Sulphate is most common in the private sector Fighting algae and bacteria in pools because it kills them effectively. Copper sulfates can be found in the following forms in stores:

• granules
• powder
• already mixed in liquid form

It is not forbidden to buy and use copper sulfate. There are no real restrictions, which makes the idea tempting for many gardeners looking to remove unwanted trees. There are specific regulations only for the disposal of sulphate, as it is a toxic heavy metal. When a tree is removed, the mixture seeps directly into the ground, which can no longer be detected. It is questionable whether this will be officially allowed. In addition, its use is not recommended. Even if you put the copper sulfate straight into the tree, the toxins will end up in the soil over time.

Note: It doesn't matter whether you pour the sulphate on the trees or fill it in crystalline form into tree holes you have drilled yourself. The application is also not prohibited for this procedure.

Note tree protection

As explained in the previous section, you must not kill protected trees without permission. If you were to stealthily use the copper sulfate and the tree perished as you requested, you would face hefty fines. These can range from 50 to 100,000 euros, depending on the state in which you live. The trees are protected by the tree protection statutes of your place of residence. It determines which trees are protected and which you need a permit to kill. In most cases, these are trees with the following minimum trunk size:

• Deciduous trees: either 60 or 80 cm
• Fruit trees: from 150 cm
• Conifers: from 100 cm

Note: If it's not a full-grown tree, just one Stump you do not need a permit. You must be careful that tree stumps that are already sprouting may only be removed outside of the closed season.

Apply copper sulfate to tree

If you want to use copper sulfate yourself, the effort is not really great. You can use the powder or granules, ready-made mixtures are usually much more expensive, sprinkle them directly on the earth around the tree and moisten them. However, this method is not as effective on the trees. You can pour the sulfate right into the trees, which is far more effective. For this you need:

• Drill and wood drill (10 mm diameter)
• knife
• Funnel (note hole size)

Use highly concentrated sulfate to optimize the effect. Once you have all of the utensils and sulfate ready, all you have to do is wait for the timing to be right. The ideal start of the growing season, which begins between May and mid-June, depending on the species. At this time, the toxic substances in copper sulfate have a stronger effect on the plants and literally kill them. It is applied as follows:

• Remove the bark 5 to 10 cm above the ground
• use a knife for this
• drill holes
• at an angle from above into the trunk (45 ° angle)
• Distance of 20 to 30 cm
• Depth depends on trunk thickness
• about 25%
• Insert funnel
• Fill completely with sulfate
• close with bark
• alternatively use corks
• natural wax is also possible
• refill at regular intervals

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