How To Kill Scrub Oaks

Scrub oaks are considered a poisonous plant in pastures for grazing animals. Although wild animals such as squirrels and deer love them, scrub oaks contain a substance called oak tannins which are considered toxic for livestock when ingested. The buds, leaves and acorns are the most toxic parts of the plant, and for successful use of pastureland, all scrub oaks must be removed before livestock are allowed to graze in the pasture.

Scrub oaks are considered a poisonous plant in pastures for grazing animals. Although wild animals such as squirrels and deer love them, scrub oaks contain a substance called oak tannins which are considered toxic for livestock when ingested. The buds, leaves and acorns are the most toxic parts of the plant, and for successful use of pastureland, all scrub oaks must be removed before livestock are allowed to graze in the pasture.

Step 1

Fill a garden sprayer or equivalent with water and a 50 percent mix of 2,4-D herbicide (chemical name 2,4-dichloro). This can be found at any farmers supply store.

Step 2

Locate the scrub oaks to be cleared.

Step 3

Spray the scrub oaks heavily with the mixture in your sprayer. Be careful to limit the spray to the scrub oaks, because any other plant sprayed will die if sprayed with 2,4-D. Scrub oaks are hardy, and may require three applications of herbicide until they are finally eradicated.

Step 1

Put on a pair of thick leather gloves for protection.

Step 2

Locate the scrub oak on your property.

Step 3

Pull up any scrub oaks or use a shovel to dig the plants out manually, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. The best time to do this is when the plants are young and developing in the spring. No chemicals are involved in this process, and for organic farming, this is the only method to use.