Controlling woody plants may require which of the following?

Controlling woody plants often necessitates herbicide application during the dormancy period because this timing maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment. During dormancy, typically in late fall or early spring, woody plants are not actively growing. This inactivity allows herbicides to be absorbed more effectively, targeting the plant system without the interference of active foliage or competing vegetation. The application at this time reduces the likelihood of the herbicide being washed away or degraded by environmental factors, leading to improved control over the desired plants.

While burning, frequent mowing, and canopy reduction can also play roles in managing woody plant growth, they may not be as effective in certain scenarios or may not specifically target the root systems as herbicides do when applied during dormancy. For instance, burning can control some woody plants but may leave others unharmed, frequent mowing primarily addresses herbaceous plants, and canopy reduction may not prevent regrowth of established trees and shrubs. Thus, herbicide application during dormancy is considered a more reliable method for effective woody plant management.