Invasive. How to eliminate

Question: This bush w many stalks is 15ft x 4 x 4high. Not noticeable a year ago. Ehst is it and how can remove it? Digging not likely due to size

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 20, 2024, 10:26 PM EDT
response: This looks like a privet of some sort, Ligustrum species. If you can clip some flowers, lay them on a plain smooth sheet of paper(preferably in a contrasting color) and take a photo so we can see the stamens, the number of petals, etc. that would be helpful. In any case, to remove a shrub you cut it at the base and immediately(within 5 minutes or less) paint the cut stems with a brush-type herbicide used for poison ivy, brambles, etc. Active ingredient is either triclopyr or glyphosate.  Ortho, Roundup and BioAdvanced are three common brands, for example. There are others.  Here is a bulletin with other removal options. https://extension.illinois.edu/invasives/invasive-privet MSU Extension doesn’t endorse brands or retailers, they are mentioned as examples only.  Please read and follow all precautions and directions on any chemicals used.  And, do not get the chemical on any trees, bark or other desirable plants(shield or cover them until applied chemical is dry, then uncover or remove the shields.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT
response: Tiny 4 pedal flowers. Poor pic att. Invasive and or non-native?     Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone   -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 6/20/24 10:26 PM (GMT-05:00)  To: crothers <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Invasive. How to eliminate (#0143912)

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 21, 2024, 2:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the additional picture. This European privet, Ligustrum vulgare, or some hybrid. It is not native. Here are more bulletins about managing it. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/F-103  https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/InvasivePlantsFieldGuide.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 3:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you for a speedy and full response!-------------------- From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>> To: "crothers" <<personal data hidden>> Sent: June 21, 2024 at 2:56 PM EDT Subject: Re: Invasive. How to eliminate (#0143912)

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 21, 2024, 8:24 PM EDT
response: Your are very welcome, good luck with your “project”