Triclopyr Brush and Woody Weed Killer

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Target Pests

Woody brush, poison ivy and poison oak (excellent), wild blackberry, kudzu, multiflora rose, honeysuckle, buckthorn, privet, tree stumps (cut-stump treatment), woody vines. Also controls broadleaf weeds in lawns but 2,4-D is usually preferred for that purpose due to cost.

Products and Brand Names

Crossbow (Corteva - triclopyr + 2,4-D, the most popular brush killer), Garlon 3A (amine, professional), Garlon 4 Ultra (ester, professional), Ortho Brush-B-Gon, BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus, Remedy Ultra (Corteva, rangeland). Cut-stump treatment formulations also available.

Safety and Precautions

Moderate toxicity. Ester formulations are more irritating than amine. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection during mixing and application. Toxic to fish - do not apply near water bodies. Observe buffer zones.

Ester formulations and drift: Triclopyr ester (Garlon 4 Ultra) is highly volatile in hot weather. Do not apply when temperatures exceed 85F. Vapor drift can damage or kill trees, gardens, and ornamentals hundreds of feet from application site. Use amine formulations (Garlon 3A) in summer.

Pro Tips

For poison ivy: Triclopyr is the most effective herbicide for poison ivy. Apply Crossbow or Garlon to actively growing leaves in late spring/early summer. Full coverage of leaf surfaces is critical. Expect die-back within 2-4 weeks. Large established patches may need a second application.

Cut-stump treatment: For killing tree stumps and preventing regrowth, cut the tree and immediately (within 5 minutes) paint the cut surface with undiluted triclopyr ester (Garlon 4 Ultra). The herbicide travels down through the vascular system to kill the roots. Wait too long and the cut surface seals over.

For brush clearing: Crossbow (triclopyr + 2,4-D) applied as a foliar spray to actively growing brush is the standard professional approach. Use a pump sprayer or backpack sprayer with a flat fan nozzle for even coverage. Apply until leaves are wet but not dripping.

Selective in lawns: Triclopyr controls broadleaf weeds that 2,4-D misses, particularly ground ivy (creeping charlie) and wild violets. Some lawn herbicide products include triclopyr for this reason.

🐛 Pests This Treats — Learn More

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🌿 Environmental & Ecological Impact

🐝 Bees / PollinatorsLOW

🐟 Fish / Aquatic LifeMODERATE

🐦 BirdsLOW

🐕 Mammals / PetsLOW

🦐 Aquatic InvertebratesMODERATE

💡 Selective herbicide for woody plants. Moderate aquatic toxicity. Some formulations are aquatic-labeled.

Example

0.5 oz

per gallon

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is triclopyr safe for pets?

Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2–4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.

Q: Can I use triclopyr indoors?

No — this is an outdoor-only herbicide.

Q: How long does triclopyr last after application?

Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.

Q: What should I do if exposed?

Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15–20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.

📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

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Triclopyr Brush and Woody Weed Killer — Safety Data Sheet

View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.

📄 View SDS on CDMS → 🏛 Search EPA Label Database →

Triclopyr Brush and Woody Weed Killer Safety Data Sheet page 1

📄 Triclopyr Brush and Woody Weed Killer — Safety Data Sheet · View the complete SDS document above or download below

📄 CDMS Label & SDS Database 📄 EPA Label Search

Did you know? Triclopyr was developed by Dow Chemical in the 1970s specifically to fill the gap that 2,4-D could not - woody plant control. The name Garlon comes from combining garland (wreath of plants) with on (against). It remains the most effective herbicide for woody invasive plant management in the US.

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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional. Last reviewed: April 2026.