[escapedtothecountry]

Does anyone have some suggestions for getting rid of persistent nettles. When we got our property a huge portion had nettles almost chest high that (as we hadn't yet moved in) I tackled with a petrol brush cutter which revealed a pond we didn't even know was here.

In some areas I've managed to dig the nettle roots out which had almost created a thick carpet underneath the top few inches of soil. That seems to have been the most effective way of stopping them coming back - but do any other have experience of things that work? Is it worth spraying them? If so - what with??

[robert waddell]

roundup but not the weak wishy washy stuff the garden centres sell     a farm supply shop will have the proper roundup     nettles always grow on old dung middens

[Mammyshaz]

A few years ago a neighbour advised a chemical spray for nettles where we were sorting out to park the car. I'm sure it was roundup too. Very powerful.
It killed the nettles within the week but we also found dead bumble bees and a few days running dead birds in the allotment.    Its one thing killing pests but another losing bug catchers and pollinators in our small plot.
The pesky pheasants nesting in the farm field behind us didn,t succumb tho!! Still chasing them off my crops!

When it came to sorting the large patch around fruit trees we decided to dig them out.  They were also a deep layer of roots over the ground but clearance was surprisingly easy and quick and very little has grown back since. The chooks now help with what tries to grow here now 

[Small Farmer]

If you want to spray nettles out of a grass Ley use Grazon 90 which wacks the nettles, docks, etc but doesnt touch the grass.  It is very bad news for watercourses and while non toxic to stock is persistent if you want to use their manure the year after.  It's ok with bees and spiders etc.

Glyphosate (roundup is a brand name) isn't persistent but will kill grass as well.

As you have found nettles have big roots, so both sprays need to be applied when the plant is growing fast to get the poison deep down into the roots.  And always RTFM.  Everything can be downloaded.  If you have a CPH you can usually get the agricultural version which is dramatically cheaper than the garden variety.  It would be well worth buying a proper knapsack sprayer and safety kit.  Even if you don't do a spraying qualification you should still know about weather conditions, spray drift and handling toxic chemicals.

We've ploughed out a field this year and removed a huge amount of weeds but that needs more kit.

[arwelcoed]

Roundup is great! But for a cheap version of the same chemical you are looking for glyphogan. It is very good!! And will kill most things with the right approach.

[robert waddell]

mammyshaz it was not roundup    it takes at least 2 weeks for any discernable change to weeds and grass  it is absorbed through the green leaf or stem then translocates to the root system  it is also used on waterways as it is neutralized when it touches water 

[Mammyshaz]

No doubt your right robert.    recall roundup named at the time but will enquire as a few of us used it.
It was spring and I recall using it diluted in a watering can as opposed to a sprayer as others used due to trying to reduce droplets blowing. I also recall how quickly the plants curled and browned. Being spring no doubt it was damp so cannot see it being roundup if it neutralises on water contact.

Will get back to you soon on this 

[Bionic]

I have just bought some Grazon 90 for use with nettles and dock, as advised by a neighbour.  I have also bought a knapsack sprayer.

The whole thing sounds scary to me. I need to wear overalls, rubber boots, rubber gloves and a face mask.  Can't spray in windy weather and avoid water courses.

Wish me luck as I am going to 'do it' in the next few days, weather permitting.

If you don't see me back here the Grazon has got to me first 

[kaz]

Grazon 90 is brilliant in getting rid of brambles, nettles & thistles, they just seem to shrivel up before your eyes.
You must not let anything onto the fields to graze for at least 2 weeks after spraying.

[Bionic]

Well I'm back from my first round with the Grazon 90.  Clothes are all in the wash and I have had a good shower.

It could be me or the weeds that shrivel up so watch this space 

I will report back in about a weeks time to let you know whats happening.

Sally

[Sylvia]

If you don't want to use chemical sprays then cut your nettles(and compost them), then cut, cut and cut again and again and again and they will, eventually give up the will to live. Then dig out the roots.

[Small Farmer]

You should see the nettles crinkling up in a couple of days.  Yes it's that fast.  You'll also see the ones you missed...

The wife loathes spraying while I merely dislike it, so she chose all the kit while I get to use it.  Still it's a peaceful thing to do unless it's too sunny.

[Bionic]

Actually once I got started I didn't mind doing it.  I didn't like the face mask though.

OH had the worst job, putting up some new fencing, so I could hardly complain.

Sally