Mesquite trees might look cool in the desert. But when they invade your land, they are a nightmare. Homeowners often struggle to remove this as these things are tough, thorny, and almost impossible to kill if you don’t know the right methods. If you are wondering how to remove mesquite trees, you are not alone. We have prepared a comprehensive guide that walks you through exactly how to remove mesquite trees—for good—using manual, chemical, and even natural techniques. So, whether you are clearing out a small backyard or an overgrown ranch, rest assured, you can deal with it all.
What Makes Mesquite Trees So Hard to Kill?
If you have tried cutting down a mesquite before, you already know the problem. It grows back. Every single time. That is because mesquite trees have a massive taproot system (can go 50 to 200 feet deep). Such trees even has the ability to regrow from the root or stump and can spread through seeds, suckers, and sprouts. So, cutting it once won’t stop it. You need to go deep, consistent, and use the right tools.
Where Mesquite Trees Grow
There are three main types of mesquite trees: Honey Mesquite (most common, aggressive spreader), Velvet Mesquite, and Screwbean Mesquite. All these trees are native to arid regions, but they are also invasive, especially on ranches, pastures, dryland farms and vacant lots. They compete with grass and steal water. Moreover, their thorns are brutal for livestock and humans. They are not just annoying—they’re a full-blown land management issue.
When’s the Best Time to Remove Mesquite Trees?
Timing matters. If you cut or spray them at the wrong time, they just bounce back. Late spring to early summer is the best season to prune trees. You can apply herbicide when trees are actively growing. Moreover, dry soil helps expose roots when digging. Avoid wet seasons, especially after seed pods have dropped, and don’t wait too long as young trees are easier to kill.
Tools You’ll Need to Remove Mesquite Trees
You can’t just show up with a shovel and expect results. Make sure you have these tools before you begin:
| Tool | Use Case | Notes |
| Chainsaw | Cutting large trees | Must apply herbicide after |
| Uprooter tool | Removing saplings with root | Works great for trees <1″ thick |
| Pickaxe + shovel | Exposing and digging out roots | Labor intensive |
| Backpack sprayer | Applying herbicide | Wear PPE for chemical safety |
| Tordon or Remedy Ultra | Chemical control | Apply immediately after cutting |
This is the old-school, no-chemical, hands-on method. It works, but be warned, it is quite hard work.
Use a pickaxe or shovel to dig around the base of the tree. You might need to go several feet deep to expose the taproot. Cut the root as much as you can to prevent regrowth. Fill the hole and compact the soil.
This method is great for small-scale infestations, organic gardeners and areas where herbicide isn’t allowed. But for ranch-sized problems, you will need more firepower.
Method 2: Bulldozing and Land Clearing
Got acres of mesquite? Manual digging won’t cut it, you will need heavy machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and skid steers with root grapples.
These are used to:
But this comes with downsides. You can face soil damage from compacting. Furthermore, you cannot prevent regrowth unless roots are removed completely. Your expenses can also run into thousands, as you will need to apply for
follow-up treatment if you opt for this method.
Method 3: Cutting Mesquite Trees
This is where most people go wrong. They think cutting the tree down solves the problem, but it doesn’t. Mesquite trees can sprout from stumps and grow back much faster than the original tree.
Use a chainsaw or sawzall to cut below the basal flare and at an angle to prevent water pooling. Then, immediately apply herbicide to the fresh cut to prevent problems.
Let’s get real. If you want long-term control, you will probably need to use a mesquite tree herbicide. Mesquite trees have a deep root syste,m so if you don’t treat the roots, the tree just comes back stronger.
These are really effective as they kill the tree at the root and stop it from resprouting. You can find them at most farm supply stores or online.
There are 3 main ways:
Perfect for: Mature trees you have just cut down
Use a chainsaw to cut the tree as close to ground level as possible and apply herbicide on the stump within 5 minutes. Make sure it covers the entire area, especially the outer ring. If you wait too long to apply, it won’t work.
2. Basal Bark Treatment
Perfect for: Small trees with thin bark (under 6 feet) you don’t want to cut.
Perfect for: Saplings and small mesquite trees. Not for large trees.
Mix the herbicide with water in a sprayer and apply directly to the leaves. Do this when the plant is actively growing from late spring through summer.
This method works best in hot and dry climates. All you have to do is cut the tree down to a stump and cover the area with a black plastic sheet. Pin it down and leave it for 4–6 weeks in summer. The heat will “cook” the roots underneath.
These can kill small roots or saplings when poured directly into the stump, but rarely kill the full root system. Plus, if you add too much salt it can ruin your soil. This is only best for tiny trees in small areas, not for ranch-sized problems
Cut saplings down every time they appear. This will weaken the root system. Combine with replanting grass or ground cover to get the best results.
Preventing Mesquite Tree Regrowth
This is where most people fail, as even after removal, mesquite can come back from seeds, roots and sprouts. Prevent this from happening by:
Check monthly for new shoots and retreat stumps or sprouts. If you see any seedlings, spray them immediately.
Bare soil invites mesquite back. Plant buffelgrass, bluestem, or other native cover crops to take over. This will improve your soil, control soil erosion, and prevent mesquite from returning.
Livestock remove grasses, which gives mesquite a foothold. Use pasture rotation to avoid bare patches.
Final Thoughts
Mesquite trees are persistent, aggressive, and tough. But they are not invincible. You now know the best ways to kill mesquite with herbicide and how to remove them without chemicals. The secret to killing the roots is being consistent. Treat the stumps and check back regularly. That is how you win the war against mesquite for good. Want certified arborists to remove your mesquite trees? Contact our professionals at Manhattan Tree Care to protect your safe havens. We utilize cutting-edge equipment to secure your landscapes and restore their natural look in no time.
Manhattan Tree Care is renowned for delivering exceptional services to nurture your trees with state-of-the-art equipment. Whether it is day or night, our arborists are always here to tackle all sorts of tree-related challenges.
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