Which statement is false regarding frill or girdle treatments?

Frill or girdle treatments are specifically designed for selective control rather than total vegetation control. When using these methods, the treatment is aimed at damaging the vascular system of a specific tree or plant, thereby inhibiting its growth and causing it to die over time. This selective approach is particularly useful when trying to eliminate target species while preserving nearby desirable plants or vegetation.

By focusing on a targeted application that only affects the vascular system of the treated plant, frill or girdle treatments help minimize collateral damage to surrounding flora, which is crucial for maintaining the overall health of the ecosystem. Thus, saying that these treatments are effective for total vegetation control misrepresents their intended use and efficacy.

The other statements highlight important characteristics of frill or girdle treatments. They can indeed harm surrounding vegetation if not applied carefully, and they typically require covering the entire circumference of the trunk to ensure efficacy. Additionally, achieving the desired results may necessitate multiple applications, depending on factors such as the size of the tree and the specific herbicide used.