What is defined as a basal treatment?

A basal treatment is specifically defined as a method where herbicides are applied to the stems of woody plants at ground level. This technique targets the plant's entry points for the active ingredient, allowing the herbicide to be absorbed effectively. The objective is to control or eliminate unwanted woody vegetation, such as shrubs and small trees, by restricting the treatment area to the lower portions of the plants.

This method is particularly useful for managing dense brush or in areas where traditional spraying might be impractical or could affect surrounding vegetation. The focus on the stems ensures minimal disturbance to the surrounding soil and non-target plants while maximizing the herbicidal efficacy on the targeted species.