Christmas berry — girdling for standing snag retention

For infestations where standing dead wood provides wildlife habitat or erosion control, girdling allows gradual decline without herbicide and preserves vertical structure.

1. Using hatchet or chainsaw, cut a 5 cm wide ring through the bark and cambium around the entire stem. 2. Remove bark completely within the ring — a single cut is insufficient. 3. For larger stems, double-girdle 30 cm apart. 4. Leave standing; tree will decline over 12–36 months.

Chainsaw safety standards. Inspect overhead for hung limbs before work.

High on stems with single leader. Resprouting rare when girdle is clean through cambium.