How to Cut Out Brazilian Pepper Trees

Brazilian pepper trees are native not only to the country of Brazil, but also to other parts of South America. These shrubs were first brought to the United States, particularly, the state of Florida in the mid-1800’s, for their ornamental aesthetics. Brazilian pepper can be a source of allergies, and, it’s an aggressive, invasive species. In fact, it’s actually against the law in the Sunshine State to sell or promote, meaning plant or move to replant this species because it’s so destructive.

How to Cut Out Brazilian Pepper Trees

If you have a Brazilian pepper plant, you probably know how hard it is to prune. You likely are also familiar with the fact that if you trim it down significantly, it simply regrows. This is because the tree possess the ability to withstand severe mechanical damage. So, if you want to rid your property of it, you’ll have to kill it with herbicide. You can find the right chemical to kill it at your local home improvement store.

This shrub/tree is one of the most aggressive and wide-spread of the invasive non-indigenous exotic pest plants in the State of Florida. There are over 700,000 acres in Florida infested with Brazilian pepper tree. Brazilian pepper tree produces a dense canopy that shades out all other plants and provides a very poor habitat for native species. This species invades aquatic as well as terrestrial habitats, greatly reducing the quality of native biotic communities in the state. —University of Florida

After applying the herbicide, you can’t just cut it up because of its thorns, and because it will still be noxious. Allow the tree to die and begin to wilt, then, gather the following items to remove it: heavy boots, heavy leather gloves, long pants, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, a dust mask, a chainsaw, pick ax, and a shovel. Once you have these items, you can cut out the shrub by following these steps:

1. Trim down the branches. Cut off the branches to access the base of the trunk(s) of the tree. You’ll have to trim it significantly and try to avoid any skin contact with the shrub.
2. Cut through the trunks(s). Because Brazilian pepper self-seeds, it can grow a thicket of trunks. Cut through the trunk(s), about 6 inches from the ground.
3. Dig out the root ball. Since this species is known to grow back aggressively, you must remove the entire root system. Dig a hole, about 5 feet in diameter, exposing the root ball. You might have to use a pick ax to get to it. Then, dig up the root ball and backfill the hole.

How to Dispose of Brazilian Pepper Shrubs

Disposing of Brazilian pepper isn’t an easy task. Instead of renting a truck and having to load it up and pay a dumping fee, call a junk removal company to pick it up and haul it off. You’ll save time, money, and won’t be exposed to its noxious chemicals.