United States Department ofAgriculture

Field Guide for Managing

Russian Olive in the Southwest

Forest 

Service

Southwestern

Region TP-R3-16-24 Revised June 2017
Cover Photos

Top left: Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org 

Top right: J. S. Peterson, USDA-NRCS Plants Database

Bottom: USDA-NRCS Plants Database

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1 

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.)

Oleaster family (Elaeagnaceae)

Russian olive is widespread throughout the United States

as a tree and is listed as a noxious weed in New Mexico.

This field guide serves as the U.S. Forest Service’s 

recommendations for management of Russian olive in

woodlands, rangelands, and riparian areas associated with

its Southwestern Region. The Southwestern Region covers 

Arizona and New Mexico, which together have 11 national 

forests. The Region also administers 4 national grasslands 

located in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma,

and the Texas panhandle.

Description

Russian olive (synonyms: oleaster, wild olive, and silver 

berry) is a hardy, fast-growing, deciduous tree that grows 

to about 30 feet in height. Russian olive is silvery in 

appearance and highly aromatic; its thorny branches are 

loosely arranged in a rounded shape.

Growth Characteristics

• Deciduous tree (10 to 40 feet tall) or long lived, 

multi-stemmed shrub; semi-shade tolerant. 

• Trunk has a circumference of 4 to 20 inches; has 

dark, smooth, or sometimes shredded-looking bark.

• Branches are loosely arranged; reddish-brown with 

silvery scales; twigs are thorn tipped with silvery

scales; 1to 2-inch thorns.

• Alternate, simple, lance-shaped leaves, 0.8 to 4 

inches long; upper surface is pale green with silvery,

star-shaped hairs; lower leaf has dense,silvery-white

scales.

• Roots can grow as deep as 40 feet; symbiotic 

nitrogen-fixing bacteria in roots allow Russian olive 

to grow on bare-mineral substrate.

• Fragrant, yellow flowers arranged in clusters;flowers

May to July.

• Clusters of small, hard, olive-like, yellowish to redbrown fruits (drupes, 0.5 inch long) with silver 

scales; fruit matures August to October.

• Reproduces primarily by seed, although sprouting 

from buds at the root crown and suckers from lateral

roots also occur.

• Seeds are brown, oval shaped 0.25 to 0.5 inch long; 

seed produced after tree is 4 to 5 years old; seed 

viable for 3 years.

Ecology

Impacts/Threats

Russian olive is problematic in the Southwest because it

favors riparian communities and other moist environments.

As infestations increase, Russian olive crowds out

desirable native riparian vegetation such as cottonwood 

and willow, thereby reducing flora and fauna species 

diversity. Because of its ability to colonize streambanks, 

Russian olive can alter the natural flooding regime and 

reduce availability of nutrients and moisture.

Site/Distribution

Russian olive prefers areas where the water table is near

the soil surface such as riparian zones, floodplains, valley 

bottoms, and sub-irrigated pastures or grasslands. It 

commonly grows near water tanks, irrigation ditches, and 

springs; also along roadsides, railways, and fence lines. 

Over the past century, Russian olive was widely planted

throughout the United States as an ornamental and 

windbreak tree that has since escaped into natural areas. It 

occurs from sea level to about 8,000 feet of elevation.

Spread

Russian olive seed is ingested by birds, and bird droppings 

containing the seed contribute greatly to the tree’s spread. 

Coyotes, deer, and raccoons also consume the fruit as a 

food source which facilitates seed dispersal as does seedcaching activities of small mammals. The fruit floats and is 

easily transported and dispersed along waterways. Russian 

olive also grows and spreads from stump sprouts, stem 

cuttings, and root pieces, especially after parent trees have 

been cut.
2

Invasive Features

Russian olive tolerates a wide range of environmental

conditions including high winds, flooding, drought, 

extreme temperatures (-50 °F to 115 °F), saline or alkaline 

soil conditions, and competition from other trees and

shrubs. Russian olive can become the dominant species in 

areas after invasion due to its adaptability, aggressive 

reproduction, and rapid growth rate. It may form dense, 

monotypic stands that can impede establishment of willow

and cottonwood seedlings.

Management

It is extremely difficult to restore native plant communities 

in areas once Russian olive has become well established.

The first priority in Russian olive management is to

prevent establishment by monitoring for its first

appearance. It may be impractical to eradicate Russian 

olive completely when growing in larger infestations, but 

trees should be controlled to the best extent possible.

Control efforts must focus on the destruction of the root 

system; therefore, treatments such as dozing, burning, and

cutting will effectively eliminate above-ground growth but 

do little to control the root system and limit recruits.

The following actions should be considered when planning

an overall management approach:

• Maintain healthy and diverse plant communities.

• Provide landowners with ideas for non-invasive 

alternatives to Russian olive for soilstabilization,

windbreaks, and ornamental use.

• Limit disturbance and/or promptly revegetate disturbed 

areas with desirable riparian plantspecies such as 

cottonwood and willow.

• Where possible, maintain or simulate seasonal flooding 

in riparian areas.

• Eradicate new populations of Russian olive as early as

possible.

• Detect, report, and map large infestations. Keep annual 

records of reported infestations.

• Combine mechanical, cultural, and chemical methods 

for most effective Russian olive control.

• Implement monitoring and follow-up treatment plan for 

missed plants and seedlings.

Table 1 summarizes some management options for

common situations involving Russian olive. Further details 

on these management options are explained below. Choice 

of which method(s) to use for Russian olive control will 

depend on a number of factors including the age, size, and 

density of trees. Site conditions (land use, accessibility, 

terrain, microclimate, other flora and fauna present, etc.) 

where the infestation occurs will greatly influence 

management. Other considerations include treatment 

effectiveness, cost, and the number of years needed to 

achieve control. More than one control method may be 

needed for a particular site.

Special Considerations

Along with saltcedar (Tamarix spp.), Russian olive

potentially serves as nesting habitat for the endangered

southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii

extimus) which is protected under the Endangered Species 

Act of 1973. To avoid harm to this endangered species,

information should be obtained from the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (Arizona, phone (602) 242-0210; New 

Mexico, phone (505) 248-6920) before implementing 

treatment of Russian olive stands of 0.25 acre or more in 

riparian or wetland areas within Arizona or New Mexico. A

formal survey for flycatcher nesting habitat by a surveyor 

with a scientific permit may be required for a site with 

Russian olive prior to treatment if the nesting status of the 

site is undetermined. Within occupied or suitable flycatcher 

habitat, Russian olive treatment operations (including 

ground or aerial herbicide spraying) should not occur 

during the flycatcher nesting period of April 15 to August 

30. When nestinghabitat of the southwestern willow 

flycatcher is present, a no-treatment buffer of 0.25 mile is 

necessary around the nest(s). Migratory birds other than the 

flycatcher may also nest in Russian olive from April

through August, and treatment of Russian olive during this 

period should be avoided if possible.
3

Table 1. Management options*

Site Physical Control Cultural Control Biological Control Chemical Control

Roadsides,

irrigation

ditches,

fence lines,

or non-crop 

areas

Saplings (< 3.5 inch diam.): 

dig up with shovel, hoe, or 

weed tool.

Larger trees (> 3.5 inch 

diam.): extract with an

excavator or backhoe.

Anticipate the need to

control re-sprouts.

Educate the public, road 

crews, and others to identify

and report infestations.

Implement requirements for 

vehicle operations.

If allowed, consider 

using trained goats to

graze Russian olive

seedlings and young

trees selectively in a

short-term prescribed

grazing approach.

Light infestations: use basal bark 

treatment for stems < 5 inches

diam. For stems > 5 inches diam., 

use cut-surface with herbicide

(cut-stump, girdle, or injection).

Dense, monotypic infestations:

use foliar application with

backpack sprayer; truck or ATVmounted sprayer. Wash under 

vehicle after application to

prevent spread.

Rangelands,

pastures, or

riparian

corridors

Seedlings: hand pull or 

burn. If feasible, use 

physical methods in a

combined strategy with

prescribed grazing by using 

older male goats.

Saplings (< 3.5 inches 

diam.): grub with hoe or 

weed tool.

Larger trees (> 3.5 inches 

diam.): use heavy

equipment. Consider a

combined approach with

chemicalspraying.

Implement an early 

identification and reporting 

program with rapid response 

for new infestations.

Use weed screens on 

irrigation canals. Check 

vehicles for seeds.

Reseed with certified, weedfree seed; if possible, 

fertilize and irrigate to make 

desirable plants more

competitive.

Consider using trained

goats to graze Russian 

olive seedlings and

young trees selectively

in a short-term

prescribed grazing

approach.

Consider using individual plant

treatment (i.e., spot spraying

foliage; basal bark applications;

cut-stump, girdling, or injecting

with herbicide) for light

infestations, areas with difficult

access, or areas with desirable

native plants.

For dense infestations with few

desirable plant species present, 

use ground or aerial broadcast

spraying.

Wilderness, 

other natural

areas,

and/or small

infestations

Seedlings and sprouts: hand

pull.

Saplings (< 3.5 inches 

diam.): grub with hoe or 

weed tool.

Larger trees (> 3.5 inches 

diam.): combine physical

methods with herbicide

spraying.

Post signs informing visitors 

to watch for and report

Russian olive seedlings or 

plants.

After passing through

infested areas, inspect and

remove any seeds from 

animals, clothing, and

vehicles before entering

treated or un-infested

areas.

Consider using trained

goats to selectively

graze Russian olive

seedlings and young

trees in a short-term

prescribed grazing

approach.

Use basal bark treatment, cutsurface with herbicide, or 

individual plant foliar treatment

with a backpack or hand-held

sprayer.

Broadcast spraying of foliage by 

aerial or ground methods may be

used on thicker stands if allowed.

* Choice of a particular management option must be in compliance with existing regulations for the land resource.

Physical Control

Physical methods to control Russian olive should focus on 

reducing seed production and preventing germination,

mainly through removal or impairment of seed producing 

plants. Methods that stress and/or remove the root system 

should also be employed. These methods usually have to

be followed up with repeated treatment of seedlings and

root re-sprouts. Long-term effectiveness may be increased

by applying herbicide after cutting.

Manual Methods

Hand removal – Small trees (< 3.5 inches diameter) may 

be hand grubbed with a shovel, hoe, or weed tool such as the 

Weed WrenchTM or RootTalonTM.

Mechanical Methods

Suppression of saplings by mowing – Where sapling 

stems do not exceed 1 inch in diameter, use a tractorfitted

with a brush mower to shear plants close to the ground 
4

surface. Gather and pile cut material for burning or 

shredding. Mowing will not kill Russian olive trees, and

plants can become multi-stemmed and brushy if mowing 

is not repeated. Repeat mowing before saplings reach a

diameter of 1 inch (likely annually). A wet-rotaryblade 

with glyphosate may also be considered for a combined

approach.

Tillage – Russian olive is sensitive to repeated tillage,

especially its seedlings and saplings. This approach isonly 

practical in agronomic situations and should be done in

coordination with reseeding and pasture renovation. Disks

and plows effectively sever shallow roots. Rootsprouting

may occur after the first tillage operation so this practice 

usually has to be repeated. By using tillage in concert with

broadleaf weed control spraying, Russian olive saplings

may be effectively control.

Large-scale clearing – In areas that are densely infested 

with Russian olive, consider removing trunks and stems in

the winter with heavy machinery (such as an excavator).

Pulled material should be immediately destroyed by 

shredding or else piled for later burning. This method is 

efficient at removing top growth and most root material. 

However, sprouting often occurs from root parts that

remain in the soil (especially from lateral roots). 

Therefore, consider this approach as being more effective 

when combined with follow-up chemical control.

Prescribed Fire

Burning will modestly control saplings and can reduce top

growth of larger, more mature Russian olive. Since trees

will vigorously re-sprout at a later time after burning,

prescribed fire should always be considered to be a

suppression technique rather than as a method for 

eradication. Spring and winter burns are usually less 

effective than summer or early fall burns.

Cultural Control

Russian olive is viewed by some people as a

horticulturally desirable species, and the tree is still sold 

in nurseries. In the past, it was promoted by various 

governmental agencies for conservation plantings; 

however, some of these same agencies are now spending 

large sums of money to control it. Although planting 

Russian olive as a drought-resistant windbreak tree is not 

encouraged as it was in the past, public education is still 

needed to raise awareness of the tree’s invasive potential.

Public participation in prevention, early detection, and 

tree removal is critical for limiting the spread of Russian 

olive. Vehicles, humans, and livestock should be 

discouraged from traveling through infested areas. 

Wherever feasible, a program to check and remove seed 

from vehicles and livestock after travel through infested 

areas should be implemented to help stop spread.To

prevent seed from being transported in irrigation canals, 

use weed screens on irrigation water intakes inside 

infested areas if possible.

Biological Control

Grazing

Mature, trained goats will selectively graze Russian olive

seedlings and young trees. A short-term, prescribed 

grazing approach with goats may not completely eradicate

Russian olive but could serve as one component in a

successful control strategy.

Classical Biological Control

Research is currently underway to identify classical 

biocontrol agents (insects, pathogens, etc.) for Russian 

olive; however, none are currently approved for release at 

this time.

Chemical Control

Herbicide control used either alone or in combinationwith

another method has been applied with varying success on 

Russian olive. The density of the Russian olive population 

and the proximity to desirable plants further complicates 

how best to proceed with herbicide control. Herbicide 

spraying is rarely successful as a one-time treatment, so it

is important to anticipate that sites will need to be 

monitored for several years and new seedlings and that resprouts will require further treatment in the future.

Herbicides recommended in table 2 will control Russian 

olive when properly applied. Most compounds available 

for Russian olive control have post-emergent activity and 

provide limited pre-emergent control. Choice of which

herbicide to use and the best method of application are
5 

Table 2. Herbicide recommendations

Common

Chemical

Name (active 

ingredient)

Product

Example1

Broadcast 

Treatment 

(rate per 

acre)

Spot Treatment

(spray solution)2

Time of

Application Remarks

Glyphosate Rodeo

Roundup Pro 

[others

available] 

Rodeo: 3–7.5 

pints

Roundup:

1.5–3.3 

quarts

Rodeo: 1.5–3.5%

Roundup: 5%

Foliar spot 

treatment: spring

(April to May).

Frill or injection: 

winter

Nonselective herbicide; can injure

surrounding plants and create more area

for weeds.

Frill, girdle, or injection: 50–100% 

concentration. Follow label for mixing 

instructions.

Imazapyr Habitat

Arsenal

[others

available] 

2–4 pints 1.0% Summer to fall (Aug. 

to Sept.); when

actively growing and

fully leafed.

Use foliar spray for seedlings and

saplings. Frill or girdle: use undiluted; 

cut-stump: use 10% imazapyr with 90% 

methylated seed oil.

Habitat okay for riparian use.

This herbicide is a non-selective amino 

acid inhibitor and will kill desirable 

vegetation, including forbs and woody 

species. In addition to spray drift, nontarget plants may also be killed or 

injured by imazapyr through runoff, 

residue movement in soil, or root 

exudates from treated plants. 

Imazapyr + 

glyphosate

Arsenal + 

Rodeo

1.5 quart

+ 1.5 quarts

1/2–1 gallon + 1/2–

1 gallons (1–2 

pounds + 2–4 

pounds) per 100 

gallons water with

0.25% surfactant 

and a blue indicator

dye

Same asimazapyr. Same asimazapyr.

Triclopyr Garlon 4

[others

available] 

1–3 quarts Low volume: 1.0 % 

High volume: 0.5%

Re-sprouts: 25%

Basal bark: winter to 

early spring.

Foliar spot 

treatment: in early

summer; use when

tree is actively

growing and fully

leafed.

Selective, systemic broadleaf herbicide;

low soil activity.

For basal bark or cut-surface, use 25-

50% v/v triclopyr with 50-75% carrier 

oil. Follow label for mixing instructions.

Garlon 4 volatilizes above 86 °F.

Triclopyr + 

2,4-D3

Crossbow 2 gallons High volume: 1.5% Basal bark: winter to 

early spring.

Foliar: After full leaf 

(late spring to early

summer).

Foliar or basal bark; low volatility; wait 

3 weeks to reseed since it may inhibit 

germination and growth.
6 

Table 2. Herbicide recommendations (cont.)

Common

Chemical

Name (active 

ingredient)

Product

Example1

Broadcast 

Treatment 

(rate per 

acre)

Spot Treatment 

(spray solution)2

Time of

Application Remarks

Triclopyr + 

2,4-D3

Crossbow 2 gallons High volume: 1.5% Basal bark: winter

to early spring.

Foliar: After full 

leaf (late spring to

early summer).

Foliar or basal bark; low volatility; wait 

3 weeks to reseed since it may inhibit 

germination and growth.

Aminopyralid + 

triclopyr

Milestone + 

Garlon 4

7 ounces +

2 quarts

In 100 gallons of

water, add 7 

ounces Milestone

and 3 quarts 

Garlon 4; add 1 

quart nonionic 

surfactant.

Foliar spot spray on 

healthy foliage in 

spring or summer.

Treatments can be made to smallertrees 

< 6 feet in height or to root and stem

sprouts previously cut.

1 Trade names for products are provided for example purposes only, and other products with the same active ingredient(s) may be available. Individual 

product labels should be examined for specific information and appropriate use with Russian olive.

2 Spray solution is the herbicide/water ratio in a spray mix that may be used for spot treatment with backpack or hand-held sprayers. The amount of product 

applied during an annual growing season must not exceed the maximum application rate per acre as specified by the product label – refer to the product 

label for the site type and application.

3 2,4-D is a restricted use pesticide in New Mexico only. A certified applicator’s license is required for purchase and use.

influenced by many factors including the time of year to be 

sprayed, plant growth form (i.e., a growing, multi-stemmed 

shrub vs. a mid-sized, single-stem tree), site accessibly, 

and other considerations. Aquatically approved herbicide 

formulations and surfactants must be used in or near water. 

Each herbicide product will have different requirements

and restrictions according to the label. Read and

understand prior to any application. Consult the registrant

if you have questions or need further detail.

Herbicide Application

Sites planned for spraying should be closely evaluated in 

advance before proceeding with a herbicide control

program. Herbicides may be applied by a number of 

methods including backpack or hand-held sprayers, ATV 

or UTV sprayers, boom sprayers that are pulled or attached 

to a tractor or truck, and by aerial spraying with a 

helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. Any equipment used to 

spray herbicide should be calibrated.

Treatment options include foliar application, basal bark,

and cut-surface methods, which are described below: 

Foliar treatment methods – IPT or foliar spot spraying may 

be used to control seedlings, saplings, and mature Russian 

olive that are generally less than 6 feet in height. The 

practicality of using this approach is influenced primarily by 

the density and access to the trees to be sprayed. Care needs 

to be taken to direct spraying so that desirable nearby, nontarget plants are not harmed. When mixing the herbicide 

solution, consult the label on the need to add a nonionic 

surfactant (usually 0.25 percent by volume is added). Also, 

adding a blue indicator dye (0.5 percent) to the mixture is 

recommended to help view coverage on sprayed plants. 

Thoroughly wet all green leaves and shoots, especially near 

the top of the shrub or tree. Plants should be wetted without

allowing dripping to occur. 

Re-sprouts are common after top growth of Russian olive has 

been removed by operations that involve cutting, tillage, 

extracting, or shredding; spot spraying is an effective way to 

control new or returning plants. Wait until plants are about 3 

feet tall and have sufficient foliage to allow uptake of 

herbicide. This may be a year or two after original trees were 

removed. One successful way for treating re-sprouts across
7

a large area is to use a team approach whereby each 

member equipped with a backpack sprayer walks side-byside about 10 feet apart and sprays plants within their 

zone. Treated areas should be revisited after 2 or 3 years to 

respray surviving or missed plants. A 5 percent v/v 

solution mix using Roundup® early in the season, or a 

mixture of Milestone® plus Garlon® 4 or imazapyr used 

later in the season as described in table 2 are effective 

herbicide treatments.

Airplane or helicopter applications can be used to spray

mature Russian olive in selected situations. Aerial spraying

is usually most practical on mature Russian olive growing 

in dense, nearly monotypic stands. The aircraft used 

should be equipped with a satellite guidance system and an 

onboard GIS display system for spraying in wildland 

situations. Areas to be sprayed should be pre-mapped and

the onboard computer spray system should be

preprogrammed to apply herbicide only on defined 

treatment areas. Helicopters can spray difficult, “tight” 

areas that require precision application such as edges of 

meandering rivers or Russian olive stands interspersed 

with non-target vegetation. Fixed-wing aircraft are better 

for spraying large, monotypic blocks of Russian olive 

where an overlapping spray pattern can be delivered at a 

lower operational cost than by a helicopter.

Herbicides available for aerial application will defoliate

and suppress Russian olive, but complete control is rare.

Anticipate that follow-up treatments, such as mechanical

control, may be needed in later years. When aerially 

spraying large trees, the spray volume should be

sufficiently high to insure maximum spray coverage.

Spray nozzles should be fitted to deliver moderate to 

large-sized droplets ranging from 450 to 1,200 μm. As 

indicated in table 2, a spray mixture may include 2 quarts 

of imazapyr or a 1.5 quart imazapyr plus 1.5 quart

glyphosate mixture applied in water. A nonionic surfactant

(0.25 percent by volume) and a drift control agent (0.07 

percent by volume) should be added to the mixture. For 

optimum plant control, an aerial application should leave 

the entire Russian olive canopy glistening with spray 

liquid long after spraying has occurred. This can partially 

be accomplished by equipping the aircraft with the correct 

spray system and by spraying under optimal environmental 

conditions. Moderate temperatures(60 to 80 oF), high 

relative humidity (65 to 90%), and light winds (3 to 7 

mph) are ideal to maximize herbicide activity. Late 

summer (August–September) is usually the best time to 

spray Russian olive by aircraft. Plants to be sprayed should 

be in a healthy state with full foliage that has not been 

stressed by drought, damaged by hail, or is beginning to 

turn yellow late in the season.

Basal bark method – IPT basal bark treatments are most 

effective onRussian olive that has a stem diameter of 5 

inches or less. Apply a solution of 25 to 50 percent 

triclopyr combined with carrier oil using a low volume, 

hand-held sprayer fitted with an adjustable nozzle (X0 to 

X1 orifice size) to deliver a mist spray. Spray around the 

entire circumference of the stem between ground level and 

12 to 15 inches up the stem until bark is wet but not 

running off. The basal bark method can be used any time 

of year but is often done in winter when surrounding 

plants are dormant and impacts to non-target plant species 

can be minimized. Adding a dye to the chemical solution 

will aid in determining continuous and adequate coverage. 

Leave treated trees in place following spraying.

Cut-surface methods – There are several different cutsurface methods that can be used to treat Russian olive,

especially when it is interspersed with sensitive, non-target 

plants. These include –

• Basal cut-stump with herbicide – This method 

allows specific trees to be immediately removed and 

can be used any time of year except under freezing 

conditions. Cut the trunk as close to the ground as 

possible and apply the herbicide solution to the cut 

surface using a paint brush, wick applicator, or a 

low volume hand-held or backpack sprayer. The cut 

surface should be horizontal to the ground to 

minimize runoff, and any residual sawdust over the

cut surface should be removed prior to herbicide 

application. A solution of triclopyr ester or imazapyr 

mixed with bark or crop oil must be immediately 

applied within 15 minutes. The herbicide:oil 

mixture ratio can vary from 33:67 to 50:50 v/v 

depending on the number and size of plants to be
8

treated and the application technique used. Lower 

ratios (e.g., 33:67) are typically used when 

applications are made with a low volume backpack 

sprayer or hand-held spray bottle, whereas higher 

ratios (e.g., 50:50) are used when the solution is 

brushed directly onto the cut stump. Cut surfaces of 

plants with less than 4 inches diameter must be 

thoroughly wetted with herbicide to kill the roots; 

however, the herbicide should be applied to the 

cambial layer just inside the bark ring if the diameter 

of the Russian olive stump exceeds 4 inches. A blue 

indicator dye should be added to the spray mixture to 

show prior treatment of stumps. Disposal of trunks, 

limbs, and other top growth should follow acceptable 

practices (e.g., stack piles or mulch debris).

• Cut surface with herbicide – A chain saw is used in 

late fall or winter to cut Russian olive with stem 

diameters of 4 inches or greater. Triclopyr is then 

immediately applied to the cut surface within 5 

minutes of cutting each tree. For stems < 8 inches in 

diameter, a 50 percent solution with carrier oil can 

be used. A 75 to 100 percent solution should be used 

for stems > 8 inches in diameter.

• Girdling with herbicide – Use an ax, saw or chain 

saw to make two horizontal cuts through the bark and 

cambial tissue around the entire trunk; cuts should be 

3 to 4 inches apart. Using a blunt object (such as the 

ax head), knock off the bark between the cuts. Spray 

or paint the cut surface of the girdled area with a 50 

to 100 percent concentration of chemical herbicide 

(such as imazapyr or triclopyr) until the cut surface is 

thoroughly wet. During the summer, the most 

effective time to girdle and apply chemical treatment

is when Russian olive is fully leafed-out and actively

growing. Leave tree in place for 2 to 3 years 

following treatment.

• Hack-and-squirt (injection) – This method is not 

recommended for trees with trunk diameters less than 

2 inches. A number of specialized tools are available 

for this method, including the Hypo-hatchet® and tree 

injector. However, a simple hatchet and quart-sized 

spray bottle can also be used. Make a circle of 

unconnected, non-overlapping, downward-angled 

cuts (each cut 2 inches wide) into the sapwood; allow

1 to 2 inches of uncut bark between each cut. On 

average, there will be one hack/cut per each inch of 

diameter plus one extra cut. Place a small amount of 

herbicide in each cut as it is made. Each herbicide 

label will specify the exact quantity of chemical to 

use within each cut. Generally, 1 to 2 squirts from a

quart or pint trigger spray bottle will be equivalent to 

1 to 2 milliliters (1/4–1/2 teaspoon). Apply herbicide 

so cut is wet, but herbicide is not running out. 

Triclopyr, imazapyr, glyphosate, and 2,4-D with 

picloram can be used for injection methods.

• Frilling with herbicide – Similar in approach to 

hack-and-squirt; however, cuts are connected and 

slightly overlapping with the bark still attached at the 

base of the cut to make a frill.

Integrated Control Methods

Numerous integrated approaches—each with varying 

success—have been developed to manage well-established 

Russian olive. Successful long-term management (typically 

more than 5 years) usually includes a combination of 

mechanical and chemical methods of control, which 

possibly can be combined with prescribed fire or goat 

grazing. A combination of control methods is particularly 

useful to achieve long-term stability of native plants.

Management Strategies

Small infestations on otherwise healthy sites should be 

treated early, and the goal should be to remove all trees. 

Strategies used for control and restoration on large sites 

infested with Russian olive must involve careful planning. 

Control strategies for Russian olive within a watershed or a 

particular drainage may vary depending on management 

objectives and location. For example, eradication or 

reduction of Russian olive in headwaters or upstream areas 

may help prevent the spread of the tree along waterways 

downstream. In transitional zones such as river edges or 

riparian areas, Russian olive may be removed to improve 

natural flooding regimes. In depositional or flood plain 

areas, goals for Russian olive may include enhancing 
9

wildlife habitat, regenerating native riparian communities, 

or meeting other multiple-use needs.

Since Russian olive can develop new roots from 

adventitious buds that come in contact with soil, it is 

important to remove as much of the plant material as 

possible. All root and stem remnants should be removed or 

piled and then destroyed by using fire, shredding, or 

mulching. Once cut down, dead debris can be gathered and 

piled for burning at a later time under safe conditions. As 

an alternative, debris may be mulched by using a mobile, 

high horsepower tractor that has a high-speed, rotating 

drum equipped with cutting teeth. A tractor equipped with

a flail-type mower attachment can be used to mow smaller 

diameter stems and debris that remain.

After Russian olive trees have been removed, the cleared 

area should be closely evaluated to determine the best 

follow-up strategy for control of re-sprouts. In situations 

where Russian olive re-sprouting is low or moderate, a 

team approach to foliar spray regrowth may be effective. 

Goats may be used in certain areas in a controlled,

intensive grazing approach on seedlings and re-sprouts for 

a limited time during the spring. Fencing may be necessary 

to confine goats to areas of infestation. Another follow-up

option is to perform a prescribed burn on regrowth using a 

high heat fire in the late summer to early fall. Monitor for 

return of Russian olive and spot spray new plants.

Vigorous revegetation is often required once Russian olive 

has been removed. Without special management, treated 

areas may rapidly be reinvaded by Russian olive or other 

invasive species. Always consider the need for seeding or 

replanting desirable plants before initiating any Russian 

olive control activities. Managers should understand the 

revegetation requirements of a site after treatment and 

include restoration as part of a control strategy. 

Sustainable control over the long term is best 

accomplished by planting competitive native plants that 

have a high exclusionary capability.

Regardless of the initial strategy used, the key to longterm Russian olive control is to conduct monitoring and

follow-up treatments for re-sprouts and seedlings. Russian 

olive management requires a long-term commitment that

will likely take 3 or more consecutive years of treatment 

followed by 1 to 2 years of monitoring for regrowth. Since

it is ordinarily useless to treat an area only one time

without retreatment, it is especially important to match 

resources to the area where Russian olive control is 

attempted. Only an area that can be retreated successfully 

should receive initial treatment so that resources are 

available to re-spray or re-treat as necessary. Failure to

perform follow-up management may result in a return of 

the infestation.

Adaptive Management

It is important to establish realistic goals and objectives in 

managing Russian olive, especially when infestations are 

widely spread. To improve long-term success, consider 

using an adaptive management approach with the overall 

goal of restoring desirable plant communities. The 

stepwise process for adaptive management involves:

1. Assessment of the overall weed problem,

2. Establishing management goals and objectives,

3. Implementation of control strategies and 

measures,

4. Monitoring the effectiveness of management 

actions,

5. Evaluating actual outcomes in relation to expected

results, and

6. Adjusting practices as necessary.

Steps of this process should be repeated in sequence as 

part of a continuous learning cycle that improves 

management planning and strategy by learning from the 

outcomes of previous management actions. In general, an 

adaptive management approach is considered to be 

successful if:

1. Stakeholders are actively involved and remain 

committed to the process,

2. Monitoring and assessment are used to adjust and

improve management decisions, and

3. Management goals and/or objectives for the 

resource are being achieved.
10

References and Further

Information

Bargeron, C.T., C.R. Minteer, C.W. Evans, D.J.

Moorehead, G.K. Douce, and R.C. Reardon.

(Technical cords.) 2008. Invasive Plants of the 

United States CD-ROM: Identification, Biology and

Control. USDA Forest Service FHTET-2008-11.

Available at http://www.invasive.org/weedcd/

(accessed June 2010)

Bean, D., A. Norton, R. Jashenko, M. Cristofaro, andU.

Schaffner. 2008. Status of Russian Olive Biological 

Control in North America. EcologicalRestoration

26(2):105-107. Available at http://er.uwpress.org/cgi/ 

reprint/26/2/105 (accessed June 2010)

Caplan, T. 2002. Controlling Russian Olive within

Cottonwood Gallery Forests Along the Middle Rio 

Grande Floodplain (New Mexico). Ecological 

Restoration 20(2):138-139. Available athttp://na.fs.

fed.us/spfo/invasiveplants/downloads/files/111%20

june%202002.pdf (accessed June 2010)

Deiter, L. 2000. Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). In 

Bossard, C.C., J.M. Randall, and M.C. Hoshovsky,

Eds. Invasive Plants of California’sWildlands.

University of California Press. Berkley, CA.

Available at http://www.cal-ipc.org (accessed May

2010)

Enloe, S.F. (ed.) 2007. Weed Management Handbook.

Univ. Wyoming, Utah State Univ. and Montana

State Univ. Available at http://www.invasive.org/ 

weedcd/pdfs/wmh.pdf (accessed June 2010)

Heiligmann, R.B. 2006. Controlling Undesirable Trees,

Shrubs and Vines in Your Woodland. Available at

http://www.wildlifemanagement.info/files/forestry_

mgt_17.pdf (accessed June 2010)

Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. Available at

http://www.invasive.org/weedus/index.html 

(accessed May 2010)

Lamming, L. (formerly L. Malmberg) 2001. Successfully 

Controlling Noxious Weeds with Goats: The

Natural Choice That Manages Weeds and Builds 

Soil Health. Alternative Weed Strategies 21(4):19-

23. Available at http://www.beyondpesticides.org/ 

weeds/publications/Goat_weed_management.pdf 

(accessed June 2010)

McDaniel, K.C. and M.J. Renz. Management of Saltcedar.

New Mexico State University. Available at http:// 

agesvr1.nmsu.edu/saltcedar/Management_files/

Saltcedar%20management%20final1.pdf (accessed

May 2010)

Muzika, R.M. and J.M. Swearington. 2005. Weeds Gone 

Wild Factsheet: Russian olive. Plant Conservation 

Alliance Alien Plant Working Group.Available at

http://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wgw/ 

Russianolive.pdf (accessed June 2010)

North Dakota Department of Agriculture. 2003. Invasive 

Species Web-based Manual. Available at

http://www.agdepartment.com/noxiousweeds/pdf/ 

Russiamolive.pdf (accessed June 2010)

Parker, D.L, M.J. Renz, A. Fletcher, F. Miller, and J.Gosz. 

2005. Strategy for Long-term Management of

Exotic Trees in Riparian Areas for New Mexico’s

Five River Systems. Available at http://nmdaweb 

.nmsu.edu/animal-and-plant-protection/tamarisksalt-cedar/lt_mgmt_of_exotic_trees_1.pdf (accessed 

May 2010)

Stannard, M., D. Ogle, L. Holzworth, J. Scianna, and E.

Sunleaf. 2002. History, Biology, Ecology,

Suppression and Revegetation of Russian-olive Sites

(Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) USDA/NRCS PlantMaterials #47 (Technical Notes) March 2002. 

Available athttp://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/ 

pubs/wapmctn470302.pdf (accessed June 2010)

Tu, M., C. Hurd, and J.M. Randall. 2001. Weed Control 

Methods Handbook, The Nature Conservancy. 

Available athttp://www.invasive.org/gist/handbook.

html (accessed May 2010)
11

Tu, M. 2003. Elemental Stewardship Abstract for

Elaeagnus angustifolia. The Nature Conservancy.

Available at http://www.invasive.org/gist/esadocs/ 

documnts/elaeang.pdf, (accessed June 2010)

USDA Plants Database. 2010. Available at http://plants.

usda.gov/index.html (accessed May 2010).

Williams, B.K., R.C. Szaro, and C.D. Shapiro. 2009.

Adaptive Management: The U.S. Department ofthe

Interior Technical Guide. AdaptiveManagement 

Working Group, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 

Washington, DC. Available at http://www.doi.gov/

initiatives/AdaptiveManagement/TechGuide.pdf 

(accessed October 2011)

Wilson, R. and M. Bernards. 2009. Weeds of Nebraska: 

Russian olive. University of Nebraska Extension

Publication #EC167. Available at

http://elkhorn.unl.edu/epublic/live/ec167/build/ec16

7.pdf (accessed June 2010)

Zheng, H., Y. Wu, J. Ding, D. Binion, W. Fu, and R. 

Reardon. 2005. Invasive Plants Established in the 

United States that Are Found in Asia andTheir 

Associated Natural Enemies. USDA Forest Service. 

Pp. 66-69. Available at http://www.invasive.org/

weedcd/pdfs/asianv1/elaeagnus.pdf (accessed June

2010)

Zouhar, K. 2005. Elaeagnus angustifolia. In Fire Effects 

Information System, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture,

Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 

Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available at

http:/www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/elaang/ 

all.html (accessed May 2010)

Suggested Web Sites

For information on invasive species: 

National Invasive Species Information Center 

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ 

Invasive.Org

https://www.invasive.org/species.cfm

For information about calibrating spray equipment: NMSU 

Cooperative Extension Service Guide A-613 Sprayer 

Calibration. Available at http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/ 

_a/A-613.pdf 

Herbicide labels online:

http://www.cdms.net/
For more information or

other field guides, contact:

USDA Forest Service 

Southwestern Region

Forest Health

333 Broadway Blvd., SE 

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Or visit the Southwestern Region’s 

website for invasive species:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/invasivespecies

The use of trade or firm names in this publication is for reader 

information only and does not imply endorsement of any 

product or service by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Recommendations made here for 

pesticide use are not obligatory, 

nor do they imply that discussed 

uses have been registered. All 

uses of pesticides must be 

registered by appropriate State 

and/or Federal agencies before 

they can be applied. 

CAUTION: Pesticides can be 

injurious to humans, domestic 

animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife—if they 

are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides 

carefully and lawfully. Follow recommended practices for the 

disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.