When is the best time for woody plant control for effective chemical translocation?

The best time for woody plant control for effective chemical translocation is when sap is moving down into the roots. This period typically occurs in the late summer to fall, when the plant is preparing for winter. During this time, nutrients and chemicals are transported from the leaves and stems down to the roots, making it an ideal moment to apply herbicides.

The upward movement of sap, which generally happens in the spring, is focused on the foliage and can lead to less effective translocation of herbicides, as they might not reach the roots where they can cause the most damage to the plant system. Dormancy is another phase when the plant is not actively growing, and the translocation of chemicals is minimal. Applying herbicides during the flowering stage is also not optimal, as the plant is actively growing and focusing resources on reproduction rather than root development, which can limit the effectiveness of the treatment.