sheep laurel Removal

[Petercoates87]

Hey folks hope everyone is doing well. So I'm clearing some ground and I've come across a patch of sheep laurel. I wanna put some pigs on this piece for the summer. It's my intention for the pigs to root up the ground and what not so later next fall I can set some hay seed into it. Which I'll just use for pasture. So my question is are the roots of this plant poisonous like the leaves of the plant?? Brush hog isn't an option as this ground is a bit rocky and lots of stumps. I was thinking of cutting it off to the ground and leaving it. But if my pigs will get sick if they eat the roots well I have to come up with something else.

 

[Springdalian Mammalian]

Yes... it's highly toxic to animals (humans too) ... be sure to handle carefully. Herbicides are successful, but obviously can cause issues themselves. A prescribed controlled burn can help as can covering them with a heavy and very opaque tarp for prolonged periods (at least 12 months) ... but keep in mind they are resilient and may need treatments in a a variety of ways. It will take years (outside of digging up the whole plant and every bit of roots - which can sprout new shoots, even if a small piece is left behind.

I have a similar problem with them and have been fighting them for some time. Best of luck to you.