Weedkillers

Types of weeds:
Annuals: An annual weed completes its life cycle in one growing season, but will leave their seeds in the soil for the next year.
Examples of Annual Weeds: Groundsel, Hairy bitter cress, Chickweed, Mayweed, Fat Hen, Annual Nettle, Cleavers, Dead Nettle.

Perennials: A perennial weed will live for many years, and are often invasive and vigorous.
Examples of Perennial Weeds: Ground elder, stinging nettle, Dock, Dandelion, Bindweed, Couch grass, Horsetail, Willow herb, Bramble, Thistle, Bracken, Japanese Knotweed.

Ways of controlling weeds:
Hand Weeding
Hoeing
Forking & Digging
Rotavating
Mulches
Flame Guns
Weedkillers

Types of weedkiller:
Contact: Kills on contact with leaves of the plants. Contact weedkiller are fast acting and start to use as soon as they are applied. Excellent for use on annual weeds.

Systemic: Is absorbed by the foliage of the plant and travel though the plant to the roots, killing the entire plant. Effective when used on annual and perennial weeds. (Effectiveness reduced if it rains within about 6 hours).

Residual: Once applied is absorbed through the roots of any weeds present killing them. Then remains active in the soil for several months preventing new weeds growing.

Selective: Kills on certain types of plants. E.g. weeds in lawns.

Applying Weedkillers:
Weedkillers can be applied any time of the year but the best time to apply weedkillers is in when the weeds are in active growth (Generally March – September). Weedkillers will work more effectively applied in dry conditions and with no rain for several hours after application.

Many weedkillers are sold in a ready to use spray forms, but if you buy weedkillers in concentrate form you will need to apply them using either a watering can or sprayer. When using a watering can it is best to use either weedkiller sprinkler bar or a fine rose.