PHILIP RUSTED tcm r&d


Report by


Giant Hogweed seedling


Know your ENEMY!


Now is the time to start on the invasive weed control before it is too late.


Ragwort rosette


Dealing specifically with Invasive Weeds, prevention is often better than cure. In order to establish weed control strategies during spring and early summer we need to know our enemy. This will save money, time and increase the efficiency of control methods.


In this article I aim to assist with the identification and treatment methods to ensure effective control. To recap the last few articles, the invasive species that we should be aware of at this time of year include Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Ragwort, Himalayan Balsam, Devils Apple, various Aquatics and Goldenrod.


The latter of these may not be too much of an issue outside of the garden environment but, perhaps, warrants a mention nonetheless.


Himalayan Balsam


The first step with any control strategy is to identify the nature and extent of the problem. Plant identification at these early stages is critical and, sadly, not that simple. The majority of dicotyledonous plants look remarkably similar when they first emerge from seeds. However, as the main leaves emerge and the plants start growing then the differences become noticeable.


One thing all invasives have in common is the fact that they can


Devils Apple


pioneer areas of land that receive low maintenance or have low levels of natural vegetation. One of the key factors for reducing future infestations is to establish maintenance regimes involving re-establishment of natural vegetation, such as grass swards, planting, mulching and the like.


To start with I would like to look at Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Early detection of the plant is essential, however, treatment should not be undertaken until such time as there is sufficient leaf growth to effectively receive herbicide applications. Should the infestations not be identified, and general mowing takes place over the plant, then the infestation could easily be spread and the problems of treatment compounded, resulting in large no go areas and future treatment headaches. Identify the areas and isolate accordingly. Do not allow mowing or strimming to be undertaken and be patient.


Once isolated I would recommend calling in specialists to deal with the plant, to set up herbicide programmes and eradication methodologies. Once completed - which could be up to 5 years - re-establish native or desirable vegetation to reduce the risk of re- infestation.


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