Getting rid of garden thugs for good

Jez · #1 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 10:28 AM

I'm toiling over how best to tackle Tuffties site which is crawling with ivy bramble, creeping buttercup, nettles etc. My first thoughts we're to zap with round up then rotovate, knowing the chances of dormant seeds will come through, would it be best to tackle once again with round up or a weed wand or how about sowing lawn seed down after rotovating as a temporary measure and then getting a lawn cutter to rip the top soil/turf & new weeds up (if so how are they on varied terrain)? Or do I just remove what there is know with a lawn cutter? Does sheeting really work? I've read different and don't know if I could actually live with this! I'm not looking for fast results more long term so really want these creeping buttercups and nettles out of the equation!

watsthat · #2 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 10:56 AM

Hi Jez

It really depends what you want to finish up with. If you are looking for a nice lawn, then you`ve got a big task ahead. I`ve been through the "lawn mill" and don`t intend going there again! If it was me, I would get the brambles out roots and all. You need some heavy duty gloves mind but they are reasonably easy to deal with if you get stuck in. Get as much of the nettles out as you can but don`t worry too much as they will disappear with regular mowing. I wouldn`t dig it over unless it was very compacted and wet because by digging you will encourage the weeds. Just give it a good rake and roughly level it, put some rye grass seed down and when its visible keep it cut but not too short. In the future cut it maybe once a month in the growing season, grass and weeds, you will be surprised at the result. Many of the weeds will disappear. Don`t feed ever, don`t worry about couch grass and don`t become a slave to it. Buttercups and daisys may flower, so what!

Good Luck

Pete

artdemole · #3 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 11:54 AM

ALL overgrown sites cannot be cleared without Hard Labour.Dig out All the roots is the best to do.Plan First what you are going to.Then enjoy the fruits or flowers of your labour.Wish you well with your decision..

Jez · #4 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 03:28 PM

I'm planning on clearing the site for wildflowers only no native grasses, nothings level, I have done something similar before with my woodland and butterfly meadow but couldn't get rid of the thugs those being the creeping buttercups, according to Pam Lewis's Book on meadow creation she had the same problem but her sight was big enough to get a JCB in to do a scrape which after trying different methods was a success. I could achieve similar with a lawn cutter but not sure if they will work on all terrain? If not I'll have apply round up, rotovate rake and then use a weed wand to keep on top of any new weeds, I really can't think of much else I can do to achieve the results I'm after!

thanks for the advice

Jez

Geoff F · #5 (**permalink**) 23-02-2010, 05:49 PM

I'm with Artdemole here. The only successful long term answer is slow painful hand digging and removal of all roots as you go; and it might take a couple of years before you clear them all.

Spot treatment with a glyphosate based systemic weedkiller may help to reduce some new weeds, but you must physically remove the roots of established plants.

Jez · #6 (**permalink**) 23-02-2010, 06:59 PM

Thanks Geoff and artdemole!

Cotham Marble · #7 (**permalink**) 23-02-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jez

I'm planning on clearing the site for wildflowers only no native grasses, nothings level, I have done something similar before with my woodland and butterfly meadow but couldn't get rid of the thugs those being the creeping buttercups, according to Pam Lewis's Book on meadow creation she had the same problem but her sight was big enough to get a JCB in to do a scrape which after trying different methods was a success. I could achieve similar with a lawn cutter but not sure if they will work on all terrain? If not I'll have apply round up, rotovate rake and then use a weed wand to keep on top of any new weeds, I really can't think of much else I can do to achieve the results I'm after! thanks for the advice Jez

Hi Jez,
I assume by Lawn Cutter you mean what is also known as a Turf Cutter ? I've not used one, but have seen them in operation and I think they are really designed for flattish sites. Any lateral variation in elevation would see the cut break the surface which on very lumpy ground could mean a frustrating time. Also I wouldn't be confident about one being able to deal with well established bramble roots.

Do you have access for a mini excavator ? The 0.75 tonne type come in at under 90cm width. Combining one of these with a mechanical soil screener (not sure what's now available - haven't used one for over 30 years ! ) to take out the vegetation, could achieve the JCB type scrape without having to shift the soil off site.

CM

Jez · #8 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 05:53 PM

CM you have answered my prayers!!!! All I have to do before hand is to pot up the desirables e.g vetches, golden saxifrages, harts tongue ferns, enchanter's nightshade, lungworts, then jobs a good one! I Will also hire out a turf cutter for my meadows to finally get rid of the brutes there once & for all and the results should be far better. Bring on the big boys toys.

Any recommendations for scythe suppliers, will also be appreciated!

Ilex · #9 (**permalink**) 26-02-2010, 10:32 AM

Jez,

You could always try here for British made: Burgon & Ball

Can't comment on the scythes/snaths but I have one of their grass hooks that takes a hair shaving edge and works very well but is only really suitable for smaller areas.

Here's an Austrian version: Austrian Scythes for sale.

Let me know how you get on - look forward to the regular updates of your own and Tuftie's sites.

Graeme

animartco · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2010, 02:40 PM

Shame on you Jez! Wildlife gardeners don't use weedkillers! And in any case round-up wouldn't kill any of the weeds you mention. If you just want the site for a lawn all you need to do is roll it flat, chuck on grass seed, and then keep mowing it. The only weeds that will persist in mown grass are the buttercups, and they are very pretty! If you want a wild meadow, that IS a difficult task and you will have to clear the ground completely, or use a site that is already a lawn, and free of any other species; spike and rake the grass until you can see a good bit of soil, and then seed. Hope to see some pictures soon cheers Animartco.