[mintytwoshoes]

HelloThis year we seem to have far more docks on our land. What are your suggestions for getting rid. Do sheep eat docks. currently have two horses grazing but they don't eat the docks and are far too well fed too. Any suggestions on suitable weed killer would be appreciated. Field is just over 2 acres. How effective are different solutions and what did you find worked best.
Thanks

[SallyintNorth]

Regular topping.  Livestock will then eat some of the younger stems and leaves, so just keep topping so it doesn’t set seed.  You never fully eradicate it but it can be controlled.

Once you’ve really knocked it back, sheep will hold it back better than other species. And I think primitive breeds eat it better than commercials.

Weed killers only keep it at bay for a year or two too.

The old way was to “spud” the plants.  A tool like an apple corer stuck on the end of a walking stick.  As you check the stock, dig up the dock plants by the roots using the spudder.  Because docks are extremely deep rooted, they will, again, make it back in a year or two.

[chrismahon]

We've had a few docks in our two acres. Rather than use chemicals I followed advice and cut the root with a small sharpened spade about 6" down- killed the lot first time. These were very big and old docks that had been repeatedly topped for many years, but not grazed. The only ones now are those that seeded or that I missed. So as said, get them before they seed.

[macgro7]

We've had a few docks in our two acres. Rather than use chemicals I followed advice and cut the root with a small sharpened spade about 6" down- killed the lot first time. These were very big and old docks that had been repeatedly topped for many years, but not grazed. The only ones now are those that seeded or that I missed. So as said, get them before they seed.

They might still grow back I'm afraid.

Docks are actually quite amazing plants! They grow very deep roots, once they seed, the seeds can survive 60 years underground (ploughed up for example), and still sprout!
Not many people realise that they are actually edible - to humans as well as sheep Or goats!
You can cook them like spinach but don't eat too much too often as they are high in certain acid (for got the name but it's the same as in closely related sorrel) which prevents absorbsion of calcium and in people with existing problem can make kidney stones worse.

[SallyintNorth]

It’s oxalic acid, I think

[macgro7]

Yes that's right!

[mintytwoshoes]

Hello everyoneThank you so much for all the information. Certainly it will help. We will go out and tackle them - just so many more this year!Might even invest in a couple of goats - always wanted to keep some. But do they climb and get over fences? Also a slight problem is that we are intending to be downsizing and seling up!  Which is going to be really hard.Best wishes to all.
 

[landroverroy]

Might even invest in a couple of goats  But do they climb and get over fences?

  . Just a bit