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Caveat: I've only used it as a green foliage killer and I haven't read the label in a while.
My understanding is that Crossbow is not a systemic herbicide. IE, Roundup, applied to leaves of a weed, translocates to the roots and is effective on the roots as well. Does a basal application of Crossbow translocate as well or is simply relying on death of the cambium tissue where applied to stop the movement of water, nutrients, and energy?
If it's the latter I don't know how effective it would be on species that have a tendency to shoot up new shoots from the roots. As always, the labels are packed with tons of valuable information.
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It is systemic. Used as a basal bark spray, the Triclopyr translocates through the bark, through the cambium layer, and down into the roots. IT IS NECESSARY to use a Diesel, Kerosene, or D Limonene carrier to get the effect. So the petroleum is helping with the penetration but the chemical does translocate. I have not used it as cut stump but my understanding from the label and from hearing about it is that the effect is the same. Still have to use the petroleum.
I think a lot of people don't realize crossbow is systemic because it tends to defoliate, almost like a contact herbicide with quick burndown, while glyphosate (when it's used properly) is a slower kill.
But the triclopyr--key ingredient in Crossbow--is one of the best herbicides for killing weeds like wild violet, with a big, gnarly, thick root. Most selective broadleaf herbicides will just burn down the leaves on violets and won't get the root because the root is so dense. But triclopyr translocates and kills root and all (plus, with the right surfactant, it cuts through the wax on the violet leaves).
It just freaking drifts like a mofo, which is why I don't use it way more. Triclopyr is an awesome herbicide. Not all that toxic (not really toxic to bees at all), translocates great, and gets hard-to-kill weeds.
Oh and anything else around if conditions aren't just exactly perfect.