Wicking Glove Basal Bark Treatment

Article and photos by Dan Carter, The Prairie Enthusiasts Ecologist

June 2, 2026

Many variables factor into the decision to mechanically pull, cut and treat stumps, apply basal bark treatment or use other approaches to remove invasive brush. The species and time of year are major factors. We often use basal bark treatment on invasive brush and small trees with smooth bark, and we avoid cutting and treating stumps during the period in spring when sap is flowing. Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), one of our most abundant targets, has a broad sap flow season and smooth bark, so when we can’t pull it, we often use basal bark treatment.  

One of the problems with basal bark treatments that are applied by spray onto trunks is overspray; sometimes herbicide misses its target or excess runs down the trunk onto the soil. We want to avoid overspray, because we often work in sensitive areas. Readers should keep in mind that there is also evidence of off-target impacts via root exudation or release that occurs during decomposition (e.g., Graziano et al. 2022, in Weed Science), so test your treatment in a small area, and always monitor treatment effects. Other approaches should be used in areas of higher quality, remnant vegetation if possible. Off-target damage is most likely to occur when many stems are treated in a small area.  

To avoid overspray, we use a wicking glove or “glove of death” approach. This involves wearing chemical resistant gloves of adequate thickness (≥14 mils for Garlon® 4) that extend at least mid-way up the forearm on both hands, and a dusting glove over the chemical resistant glove on one hand (I prefer my non-dominant hand). I also wear a thinner, nitrile glove under the dusting and thicker chemical resistant gloves in case the outer glove develops a hole, but that is unlikely if rough or thorny species are avoided. A spray bottle or pump sprayer can be used to saturate the dusting glove around the thumb and first two fingers with herbicide (often 20% solution of triclopyr ester herbicide in basal oil). Then I grasp each stem and apply herbicide 360 degrees around its base. How far upward depends on stem diameter. I treat the lower 18 inches of stems above 1.5 inches in diameter and the lower foot on smaller stems. I only treat a few inches of very small stems. All stems on multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees should be treated. Apply herbicide generously—not so much that it runs off, but a bit more than it takes to simply stain the bark. Basal oil often contains a dye, or a dye may be added, but the oil itself will generally stain the bark and give it a darker appearance. This requires re-charging the glove with herbicide frequently. 

Left to Right: Dusting glove over chemical resistant glove. Dusting glove saturated around the thumb and first two fingers. Treatment of glossy buckthorn stem. Glossy buckthorn after treatment.

When treated during the growing season, targets typically die within two to five weeks. They may leaf out after winter treatments and subsequently die. Other considerations that apply to basal treatments include: 

• Work during cool weather to minimize volatilization, which can affect very nearby vegetation and isn’t healthy for the applicator. I work on cool days or during the cool of morning when the temperature is below 70°F (often 30-60°F) and direct sunshine is not warming surfaces. Volatilization risk is greatest during and immediately after application.  
• Work during dry weather. I don’t apply herbicide if there is a chance of rain within 72 hours. I try to apply herbicide when I have high confidence that it will be dry for four days, especially in areas with surrounding sensitive vegetation. This needs study, but the longer the dry period after application, the better.  
• Don’t mix herbicide with diesel fuel. Product labels may allow it, but diesel is volatile and more toxic than basal oils designed for use with herbicides.  
• Wicking gloves may be re-used, but chemical resistant gloves should be discarded if not continuing treatment the same day. Chemicals slowly work their way through most chemical resistant gloves, regardless of thickness.
• Strictly adhere to herbicide labels. 

This article appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of The Prairie Promoter, a publication of news, art and writing from The Prairie Enthusiasts community. Explore the full collection and learn how to submit your work here.

About The Prairie Enthusiasts 

The Prairie Enthusiasts is an accredited land trust that seeks to ensure the perpetuation and recovery of prairie, oak savanna, and other fire-dependent ecosystems of the Upper Midwest through protection, management, restoration, and education. In doing so, they strive to work openly and cooperatively with private landowners and other private and public conservation groups. Their management and stewardship centers on high-quality remnants, which contain nearly all the components of endangered prairie communities.