The Different Methods Of Giant Hogweed Elimination

Giant hogweed can be removed in different ways such as manual removal, mechanical removal, and chemical elimination. Usually, no single method is effective in controlling this unwanted weed. Giant hogweed infestation is a problem for farmers. They cannot be totally eradicated but there are a number of ways to get rid of them. Aside from using mechanical methods or herbicides, planting other grasses and other plants is another effective method. Weed control is a challenge most of the time because it demands cleverness on the part of the one executing the control methods.

One important thing to consider in weed control measures is to have a focus area to avoid doing damage to harmless plants. Primarily, there is a need to control erosion during the process. As much as possible, you want to limit the amount of soil removed during the process. The seeds of hogweed will have to be removed and remember that sowing and planting giant hogweed is forbidden and may be illegal. The seeds would have to be looked out for because the giant hogweed's way of propagating itself is through seeds. Hence, the efficient way to eliminate hogweed is by eliminating its seeds, but that is a challenge.

So what can you do to control these pests? The simplest ways to control are root cutting, flower removal, seed removal, mowing, and covering. These are the good options for those who don't want to use chemicals but these may not be the most convenient. While root cutting can assure a higher chance of weed eradication, other manual methods are not that effective. Even the root cutting method needs to be repeated a few times in each year for maximum success. One also has to monitor the area or field to ensure no new weeds are growing.

Root cutting is a method that is ideal for small infestations only. You seriously cannot think of doing this method for a huge field covered in giant hogweed. This method involves cutting the taproot about 6 to 10 inches below the ground (depending on the level or incline of the ground) with a spade or any sharp tool. If you are cutting the root, you need to isolate the fat stem base that has old leaf scars from the tap root. After removing the cut portions, take them away and get them to dry under the sun. You can also discard them in bags. Several shoots may grow after you have done the cutting and if that happens, cut them again. One effective way to kill off the remaining roots in the ground is to apply herbicide after the stems are cut.

Cutting of flower heads is also done to limit the spread of hogweed. The flower heads must be cut off once the seeds have formed and the cutting should be done before the seeds mature. This prevents the weeds from shedding off seeds that would tend to grow into new weeds. You can use a knife or a pruner to sever flowers and make sure you dispose of them in trash bags. Experts suggest that you expose the cut flowers to the sun for two weeks or more before discarding them.

Mowing is a convenient way to remove unwanted plants in the area but you should start mowing while the plants are still small. Never attempt to mow the weeds if they have grown large enough that they are bigger than your mower. Also, mowing is not recommended if the plants already have seeds. Nonetheless, it is a convenient way to control growth of weeds most especially if done regularly. Mowers need to be cleaned afterwards to prevent spreading of the hogweed seeds.

Another clever way to stop hogweed from growing is to cut the weeds off and cover the area with a black plastic to prevent entry of sunlight. This is good if you are not going to use the area for some time.

By: joalesto

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jo is a content writer for 'Invasive Weed Solutions' (www.invasiveweedsolutions.co.uk/), a site owned by Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd., a widely recognized Japanese Knotweed removal experts stationed in UK. If you are a keen gardener, a home builder or a nature lover and are searching for specialists in Himalayan Balsam removal then check out Invasive Weed Solutions.