The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: Foobar on May 24, 2016, 10:27:01 am
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I have a few areas of knotweed that I need to deal with. It's been sprayed with Grazon (I let it get to about 3ft tall so there were plenty of leaves to spray) and it's wilted considerably. Most of the stems have totally wilted over but some of the larger ones are just wilted at the top.
Should I re-treat the half wilted ones in some way, either more spray or maybe via injection?
Also, can I cut away the wilted stems now (its been about 1-2 weeks since spray), as I really need to strim the grass area where these stems are growing through (and I don't want to strim the knotweed stems to avoid spreading it).
I plan to give it all a second spray later in the year with glysophate. And then repeat next year, etc.
Also, what are peoples thoughts on digging it out? (carefully and picking out as much root as poss)
I'm just trying to find the best way to get shot of it as quickly as possible :) .
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Is it def knotweed? not balsam as this is easy to remove. If you dig it out (apparently roots can go down quite a distance and you need to dispose in a licensed tip (one in Merythr). It takes 3 years of spraying and my understanding is that injection is better however you need to have the time and money. I would follow the instructions on the net via roundup and other sprays.
My issue here is balsam.
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It's knotweed defo (and I'll be burning whatever I dig up). Had Balsam at previous place, that's much easier to deal with!!
These two plants that are the scurge of south wales :(.
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Roots too deep to get rid of easily and risk spreading by digging. We had a very small patch. I sprayed with strong Glyphosate (get a brush killer one) and then made a hole and squirted some down each stem. it has never reappeared (three years now). Our larger patch will be more difficult as we need a dinghy to get to it!
Good luck :thumbsup:
Helen
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Why not change your attitude. Start eating it. It's very similar taste and texture to rubarb.
Then you will eat everything you have and wish it will grow back quicker.
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I have a few areas of knotweed that I need to deal with. It's been sprayed with Grazon (I let it get to about 3ft tall so there were plenty of leaves to spray) and it's wilted considerably. Most of the stems have totally wilted over but some of the larger ones are just wilted at the top.
Should I re-treat the half wilted ones in some way, either more spray or maybe via injection?
Also, can I cut away the wilted stems now (its been about 1-2 weeks since spray), as I really need to strim the grass area where these stems are growing through (and I don't want to strim the knotweed stems to avoid spreading it).
I plan to give it all a second spray later in the year with glysophate. And then repeat next year, etc.
Also, what are peoples thoughts on digging it out? (carefully and picking out as much root as poss)
I'm just trying to find the best way to get shot of it as quickly as possible :)
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It's not much good spraying any sort of big tall plants as the roots and plants are very strong .
You need to hit it when it's struggling to survive . So try cutting it back to 3 to 4 inches high and a few weeks after new shoots appear give it the Grazon again .
Don't do this when the plant is dormant such as really cold weather or winter as you need plenty of nice soft tender un waxed leaves , shoots & stems .
Repeat the exercise till it's all gone , sometimes four or five sessions are needed . and yes do burn all the cuttings as Grazon has a very long term residual effect in the dead plants .
That residual weed killing effect will kill off any area where you use it as a mulch or as composted green matter for a good 18 months or so .
Grazon also passes through grazing stockintestines quite happily and still has a weed killing effect for a good 18 months so don't use any affected dungs for composting or the veg plot either .
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My OH used neat glyphosphate the active ingredient in round-up and just painted it on, it usually needs a few goes. I think he did cut the stem to put some in it too. I don't know if you have farmer you could ask for some as this is much stronger than what you would pick up most other places.
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Okey dokey - all received. I will try all of that and report back on progress :)
All I need now is somewhere to spread it off the ground to get it to dry out so I can burn it easier! I've found if you just leave it in a heap it starts to grow again! A very determined plant indeed!
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I have a small patch too, and I'm simply pulling it out 2-3 times a season. It's easily done but obviously not everything comes out so not killing it, but certainly not spreading at all, and that's good enough for me.
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At this time of year I take a dashel basher with me when I walk the fields and hack anything I don't want off near the root. It doesn't kill everything but at this time of year it's too late for many plants to send up more flowers so I have a chance to get ahead next year. At least that's the theory...
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The Grazon is doing a magnificent job so far :D Just done my third spray I think, and only a few new shoots have been coming up.
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Here is some info about it.....
http://www.wiseknotweed.com/japanese-knotweed-removal-treatment/diy-eradication/ (http://www.wiseknotweed.com/japanese-knotweed-removal-treatment/diy-eradication/)
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=218 (https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=218)
and here is someone who will do the job for you ;D
http://www.knotweed-removal.co.uk/welcome-to-the-knotweed-company.php (http://www.knotweed-removal.co.uk/welcome-to-the-knotweed-company.php)
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Actually I would recommend this: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-japanese-knotweed-from-spreading (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-japanese-knotweed-from-spreading)
right at the bottom is a document link: further reading "Japanese Knotweed Code of Practice"
Is the most complete document on the subject that I have found so far :)