Does copper sulfate work on roots?

Asked by: Brian Boldt

Copper sulfate is an effective root destroyer, and it’s easy to apply to a sewer line.

How long does copper sulfate take to work on roots?

It can take as little as two or three days to clear out the line. However, if your system has a slower flow of water, it can take a bit longer (up to a week) to get rid of the roots. By contrast, copper sulfate takes up to four weeks to even start the process of root decay.

What does copper sulfate do to roots?

Tree roots in contact with or immersed in copper sulfate solution absorb copper for a short distance into the root system. Use of this treatment has yet to cause the loss of a tree or shrub. Apparently the absorbative function of the roots is destroyed before toxic copper travels very far.

What does copper do to tree roots?

Copper damages the tree cells enough to prevent them from working properly, which keeps fluids and nutrients flowing through the tree’s roots, trunk, branches, and leaves. This reaction leads to the leaves turning brown and stopping the critical photosynthesis process that any plant needs to survive.

Does copper stop tree roots?

A. Pure copper makes strong plumbing pipes, but copper will not repel tree roots. Your husband may have mixed up pure copper with the copper compounds, like copper sulfate, that are routinely used to keep sewer lines clear from the inside.

How do you apply copper sulfate to roots?

Copper sulfate crystals can be found at your local hardware store or garden supply center. These crystals can be used to kill roots inside the sewer lines – by pouring one-half cup of crystals into your toilet, they can travel along the pipes until they come to the obstruction.

What will dissolve tree roots?

Copper Sulfate



This bright blue salt-like crystal is available in most home improvement stores. Copper sulfate is a natural herbicide and will kill off the small tree roots invading your sewer pipes.

What is the best tree root killer?

The fastest, most effective way to kill trees is with the chemical herbicide, glyphosate herbicide, the major ingredient in Roundup and some other brands. Just make sure that the concentration is at least 41 percent or higher of glyphosate as the active ingredient.

How do you clean roots out of a sewer line?

Try Copper Sulfate. Copper Sulfate is also effective in killing roots in your sewer line pipes. You can get it at your local hardware store. Just pour about half a cup down the toilet and flush as many times as needed to wash it off.

Is copper sulfate harmful to plants?

Toxic Effects



The overuse of copper sulfate can also result in root damage, characterized by short, thick, stub-like growths of root. The root damage caused by the overapplication of copper sulfate can result in overall wilting, reduced growth or death of the plant.

How often should I use copper sulfate?

Application by Slug Method: Make a dump of Copper Sulfate into the irrigation ditch or lateral at ¼ to 2 pounds per second of water per treatment. Repeat about every 2 weeks as needed. A dump is usually necessary every 5 to 30 miles depending on water hardness, alkalinity, and algae concentration.

What does copper sulfate do to trees?

Copper sulfate can kill trees. Copper sulphate is a poison often used to discourage tree roots from growing into vulnerable areas such as sewer lines. It can, however, kill a whole tree if it is properly applied.

How do you use copper sulfate on trees?

Instead use the copper sulfate to poison the tree more. Directly. Things you'll need knife drill funnel copper sulfate peel back an inch or two of bark near the base of the tree.

Is copper toxic to trees?

Copper nails will kill a tree slowly



Copper nails can be used to kill trees without it being overly obvious that anything has been done to the tree. Copper nails must be hammered at the base of the tree penetrating past the bark into the phloem.

What time of day is best to apply copper fungicide?

Fungicides might have best effect when applied in the early morning or at night, according to preliminary research data.