Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) is Florida's most widespread invasive plant, covering over 700,000 acres of the state. If you own land in Florida, you've almost certainly encountered this aggressive invader.
The bad news: Brazilian pepper is incredibly difficult to eliminate completely.
The good news: With the right approach, you can take back your property. This guide covers what actually works.
Why Brazilian Pepper Is So Problematic
It Spreads Aggressively
- •Birds love the berries and spread seeds everywhere
- •A single female tree produces thousands of seeds annually
- •Seeds remain viable in soil for years
- •Seedlings can establish in almost any Florida habitat
It Outcompetes Everything
- •Forms dense thickets that shade out native plants
- •Releases chemicals that inhibit other plant growth (allelopathy)
- •Grows 10-15 feet in a single year under ideal conditions
- •Tolerates drought, flooding, salt, and shade
It Causes Health Problems
- •Related to poison ivy (same family as cashews and mangoes)
- •Sap causes skin irritation in sensitive individuals
- •Crushing leaves releases irritating compounds
- •Burning Brazilian pepper releases toxic smoke
Where Brazilian Pepper Thrives
Brazilian pepper is found throughout Florida, but it's especially prevalent in:
Central Florida
Dense infestations in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Lakeland. The I-4 corridor has significant populations along roadsides and unmaintained properties.
Tampa Bay Region
Major infestations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Coastal areas of Pinellas County are heavily impacted.
Space Coast
Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Titusville all have significant Brazilian pepper populations, often mixed with native coastal hammock.
Nature Coast
Spreading northward into Ocala, Gainesville, and Crystal River areas as climate warms.
South Florida
The epicenter of Brazilian pepper in Florida. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and the entire southeast coast.
Removal Methods: What Actually Works
Method 1: Forestry Mulching (Best for Large Areas)
How it works: A forestry mulcher grinds Brazilian pepper trees into mulch on-site, including the root crown.
Pros:
- •Fastest method for large infestations
- •Single-pass removal
- •Creates mulch layer that suppresses regrowth
- •No hauling or burning required
- •Can treat acres per day
Cons:
- •Will require follow-up treatment for resprouts
- •Not selective (treats all vegetation in the path)
- •Requires equipment access
Best for: Properties with dense Brazilian pepper thickets, large acreages, or when combined with chemical follow-up.
Cost: $2,000-$4,500 per acre depending on density
This is our primary recommendation for most Florida landowners. Learn more about forestry mulching.
Method 2: Cut-Stump Treatment
How it works: Cut the tree close to ground level, immediately apply herbicide to the fresh cut surface.
Timing: Apply herbicide within 30 minutes of cutting for best results.
Recommended herbicides:
- •Triclopyr (Garlon 4) - Most effective
- •Glyphosate (Roundup) - Less effective but more available
- •Mix with penetrating oil (bark oil) for better absorption
Application rate: Apply undiluted or 50% solution to entire cut surface
Pros:
- •Very effective when done correctly
- •Selective - only treats target trees
- •Lower equipment cost
Cons:
- •Labor intensive
- •Requires immediate herbicide application
- •Not practical for large infestations
Best for: Scattered trees, residential properties, areas where selectivity matters.
Method 3: Basal Bark Treatment
How it works: Apply herbicide mixed with penetrating oil directly to the bark of standing trees.
Herbicide mix:
- •Triclopyr (Garlon 4 Ultra): 20-30% in bark oil
- •Apply to lower 12-18 inches of trunk
- •Treat entire circumference
Pros:
- •No cutting required
- •Can treat trees any time of year
- •Selective treatment
Cons:
- •Slow acting (weeks to months)
- •Less effective on trees over 6" diameter
- •Leaves standing dead trees
Best for: Small to medium trees, treating scattered individuals, areas difficult to access with equipment.
Method 4: Foliar Spray
How it works: Spray herbicide directly on leaves of small Brazilian pepper plants.
Herbicide options:
- •Triclopyr (2-3% solution)
- •Glyphosate (2-3% solution)
- •Add surfactant for better leaf penetration
Pros:
- •Effective on seedlings and small plants
- •Can cover large areas quickly
- •Lower herbicide cost per tree
Cons:
- •Only works on small plants (under 6 feet)
- •May affect desirable plants if not careful
- •Requires complete leaf coverage
Best for: Follow-up treatment after mulching, treating regrowth, seedling control.
The Best Approach: Integrated Management
For properties with significant Brazilian pepper, we recommend a two-phase approach:
Phase 1: Forestry Mulching
Remove the bulk of the infestation quickly and efficiently. Our equipment can process Brazilian pepper of any size.
- •Mulch eliminates standing trees
- •Destroys above-ground vegetation
- •Creates mulch layer that slows regrowth
- •Prepares site for follow-up treatment
Phase 2: Chemical Follow-Up (3-6 months later)
Treat the inevitable resprouts that emerge from surviving root systems.
- •Foliar spray on small resprouts
- •Cut-stump treatment on larger resprouts
- •Much easier and cheaper than initial removal
- •May require 2-3 follow-up treatments over 1-2 years
Why this works: Brazilian pepper resprouts from roots, so mulching alone won't eliminate it. But mulching reduces thousands of large trees to manageable resprouts that are easy to treat chemically.
Cost Comparison
| Method | Initial Cost | Follow-up Cost | Total (per acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry mulching + spray | $2,500-$4,500 | $300-$600 | $2,800-$5,100 |
| Hand cutting + stump treat | $4,000-$8,000 | $200-$400 | $4,200-$8,400 |
| Bulldozing + removal | $5,000-$10,000 | $300-$600 | $5,300-$10,600 |
| Chemical only (dense) | Not practical | N/A | N/A |
Forestry mulching is typically the most cost-effective approach for established infestations.
Prevention: Keeping Brazilian Pepper Out
After removal, preventing reinfestation is critical:
Monitor Regularly
- •Walk your property quarterly
- •Look for seedlings, especially under trees where birds perch
- •Check fence lines and edges
Treat Seedlings Immediately
- •Hand-pull small seedlings (easier after rain)
- •Spray larger seedlings with glyphosate or triclopyr
- •Don't let them get established
Remove Seed Sources
- •Eliminate female trees within 100 feet if possible
- •Talk to neighbors about coordinated removal
- •Focus on trees with berries
Maintain Healthy Native Vegetation
- •Dense native plants compete with Brazilian pepper seedlings
- •Consider planting native alternatives after removal
- •Established native hammock is more resistant to invasion
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brazilian pepper toxic to touch?
It can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, similar to poison ivy. The sap is the main concern. Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling.
Can I burn Brazilian pepper?
We don't recommend it. Burning releases toxic compounds that can cause respiratory irritation. Mulching or chipping is safer.
How long until Brazilian pepper stops resprouting?
With consistent treatment, most properties see minimal regrowth after 2-3 years. Some root systems may survive longer.
Will goats eat Brazilian pepper?
Goats will browse Brazilian pepper but won't eliminate established trees. They can help with seedling control and maintenance.
Is there a biological control for Brazilian pepper?
Researchers are testing several insects from Brazil, but none are currently approved for release in Florida.
Get Professional Help
Brazilian pepper removal is one of our most common services across Central Florida. We can:
- •Assess your infestation and recommend a treatment plan
- •Provide forestry mulching for efficient removal
- •Connect you with licensed applicators for chemical follow-up
- •Create a long-term management plan
Service Areas for Brazilian Pepper Removal:
Central Florida: Orlando | Kissimmee | Sanford | Winter Park | Clermont
Tampa Bay: Tampa | Lakeland | Brandon | Plant City | Clearwater
Space Coast: Melbourne | Palm Bay | Titusville | Cocoa
Nature Coast: Ocala | Gainesville | Crystal River | Inverness
East Coast: Daytona Beach | New Smyrna Beach | Vero Beach | Fort Pierce
Get Your Free Estimate or call (386) 843-5266
For severe infestations or properties with environmental sensitivities, consult with a licensed pest control operator or your county extension office for site-specific recommendations.