I can't ID it, but we've had excellent results by cutting an unwanted tree level with the ground, or as short as we can get it, and applying liquid weed killer to the freshly cut stumps to kill it. If any sprouts come up do the same. The stumps will eventually rot in the ground. You can cover them with mulch to hide them until they do.

Around here it's usually hackberry trees that come up between fences and unnoticed in hedges.

I agree with rose. So that you understand about weed killer. By far the most effective for a mess like that is 2-4-D but you better read every word on the label. Pay special attention to warnings about drifting on air while applying and migration by rain water. Also be mindful that if roots from larger trees are beneath soil,you risk killing or injuring them. Less effective but far safer if you follow label directions is Round-up. To save a bunch of labor I would A. cut every thing at ground before leaf out B. after leaf out/resprout,spray leaves. C. repeat spray if new leaves appear. WARNING,never use sprayer for anything other than weed killer in the future. It will be an ongoing thing because birds sit on fences and plant new seed every year. If you are dead set against herbicides,cut at ground before leaf out then weed eat new growth ever time you mow yard. Digging up that jungle is insane.

Thanks for the responses. Based on what I'd read prior to this, I sensed this would require an herbicide, but wasn't sure if there was anything that was recommended for this specific plant. I'll try the 2-4-D, but as we've recently gotten a dog, will probably fence of this area temporarily and apply with a brush.

So, to be clear, the suggestion is to apply this to leaves after re-sprout, and not to the stump?

"So, to be clear, the suggestion is to apply this to leaves after re-sprout, and not to the stump?"

Either works as long as you get coverage. Rose just has more energy and time than me so I do it the easiest way I know. Difference is you can treat stump before or after leaf out as long as you treat same day plant is cut off.

Rose is getting less energetic by the minute , or the year anyway ... LOL

Easiest for me is buying a small spray bottle of already mixed solution of either broad leaf weed killer or Roundup and spraying slowly with the spray nozzle held close to the freshly cut stump while holding my breath. The less forceful the spray the less it drifts. If sprouts occur I spray the new leaves. I use garden gloves to handle the spray bottle because invariably some will drip onto my hands.

My dogs never come around and bother with treated stumps probably because of the unpleasant scent.

You can also try Orange Oil, but be sure to wear gloves. If you use it as a spray be careful where it drifts, since it will burn most everything. You can also put it straight on the stump. The smell is pretty strong, so I don't think the dog would bother it. Typically Lowe's has it.

The range of options offered all work,some better than others but the best is the one you complete then follow through with. That is to say if something works but is so labor intensive you quit half way through the growing season it's not going to work. If the few feet pictured is all there is the task should be easy. On the other hand if the whole fence line look's like that the prospect of treating each individual stump might be daunting. Another stitch in time save's nine method that hasn't been mentioned is a plain ol garden hoe,I have 3 stationed in different locations around my property(small acreage). The majority of time when I'm just walking about the place to check on things I have a hoe in hand. It's also handy to lean on while admiring my plants. ^_^

Need to show good clear and close views of outer stems with winter buds for identification to be possible at this time.

Applying herbicide to the fresh cut stump with a foam brush/applicator has worked best for us, too. Triclopyr is good, though glyphosate can also do a pretty decent job when used at nearly full strength in the "brush killer" concentrations. Either moves to the roots through the outer few layers (phloem, etc), so we focus on coating/soaking those; no need to waste it on the heartwood of larger stumps.

Thanks all for the responses. I'll definitely be trying out some (hopefully not all) of the suggested products. Takeaway from all has been to treat as soon as it's cut down to the ground, and if it start sprouting, apply again. Will likely only be fruitful if reapplied at sign of re-sprouting.

I'll probably stick with manual application for now. Lost a long-time pet years ago (not due to anything chemical) and only got one again recently and so have to pay attention to the yard again.

I'll try to get a closer/better picture, but at this point, with the treatment suggested, may not be as important. Will try though to at least identify. Thanks again.

Reminds me of those horrible hackberry trees invading my yard.

I think you are right about hackberry shellshok but making positive identification isn't necessary for treatments suggested.

I moved into a house with a hackberry right up next to the house. I cut it off about 4 feet high, drilled some holes into the stump at an angle, filled the holes with extra strength RoundUp and painted the top of the stump with RU. It still tried to come back. When that happened I cut the top inch off, repainted it, and refilled the holes. That seemed to take it out. I don't like using herbicide, but this seemed like a minimal impact approach.

I agree klem1 that treatment prescribed doesn't require id, but the OP wanted to know what the trees were. Just trying to help.

Is the thought desert hackberry (Celtis pallida)? Because "thorny" doesn't describe the common hackberry (C. occidentalis) often found along fence lines in our neighborhood... and very glad for that.

I know it's been a while. I've been working on the suggestions, including using Bonavine, and the extra strength, concentrated Round-up. I did say I'd provide some pictures. Was finally able to get some close-ups.

Here's the leaf.

I can't really say I'm needing this at this point, but curiosity does have the better of me. Anybody know if this is indeed a hackberry?

Does new growth have a sharp needle on tip of each young branch?

I know this is a year old post, but did you ever determine what this thorn tree is? I have a horrible problem trying to get rid of the tree & all the saplings it’s spreading,. They have incredibly deep roots for being a sapling.

As discussed throughout this thread,unless it's a conifer,juniper or other needle leafed tree,control methods are the same. What have you tried so far that failed?

It's over 100 Texas degrees outside and we're still at war with these Hackdevils. It's been weeks. I think we're winning. Here's the damage so far. (Yes, that is spray paint)

Linda, are you using a weed killer on the stumps as suggested above? Looks like you are winning. Wishing you well. Keep us posted on your progress.