Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) grows again and again, how do I stop it?

Question

Ficus religiosa is a common tree in India, it is called 'Peepal' here. It can grow anywhere even where there is no proper soil. It also grows near wash-room ducts (drainage pipes) of the Apartment building.

Personally I like this tree, but I cannot allow him to grow near drainage pipe of the Kitchen of the apartment I live in. It is going to damage the concrete structure of the apartment.

It's roots are too strong. We have tried removing this tree several times but it grows again and again. Also to destroy the roots, we had used HCL Acid but again it came up.

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 07 '13 at 14:26

HCl isn't very poisonous, it is corrosive, but not too poisonous. Glycophosphate, on the other hand is poisonous to plants, but I wouldn't apply to a watershed.

I think for your situation covering with a tarp would be the best, especially if the area gets direct sun.

score 4 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '13 at 16:12

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The easiest way to kill any tree is salt. Get a moderately sized bag of salt and place it over a cut tree trunk.

But once you have killed this tree, please plant another tree elsewhere.

edited May 23 '13 at 16:12

Niall C.

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answered May 23 '13 at 15:51

tree hugger

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score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 08 '13 at 18:40

A brushwood killer applied to pre drilled holes or cuts into the woody roots or severed trunks of the tree is best. In the UK, SBK would be the one - this is a liquid and contains the active ingredient triclopyr, which is particularly effective with woody growth. Using something like this in pre drilled holes, carefully applied without spillage, and covered with something afterwards, reduces the impact on the immediate environment including waterways, although it seems your tree is growing near drainage rather than a water supply for drinking. I do not know whether a product like this would be available where you are.

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Aug 08 '15 at 07:09

Best thing I have found especially for persistent growth on walls of buildings is to apply copper sulphate. Copper ion is highly phytotoxic. You may mix it with water and apply or even with cement or paint and apply. Some of the roots may still escape. You will have to repeat the treatment a number of times. GNM

mayur shah. · Answer 5 · 2013-03-31T08:58:57.997

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Can you try tar used in building roads. Make thick solution mixing tar with kerosene and apply to totally cover the roots and stem of the plant , repeat till the plant is killed. The idea is to stop photosynthesis and to stop the plant getting water and air. Remove the leaves regularly.

edited Mar 31 '13 at 08:58

answered Mar 31 '13 at 08:53

mayur shah.

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Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) grows again and again, how do I stop it?

5 Answers5