DIDO.1 22,851 Posted August 23, 2015 Report Share Posted August 23, 2015 Iv been asked by a company that I do some work for if I can cut down 2 willow trees growing out of a wall on a river bank. I get quite a lot of pest control work from them so I like to help em with other bits and pieces to keep em sweet. The trees are on a big rivers bank in a town center behind some apartments. So question one...can I Spray the willow stumps (2" wide at most) with something to stop it regrowing? Secondly there is a bit of hogweed in the way, can I just cut it and leave it on the bank (it's not to high). I don't want to get in trouble for it washing downstream. Also is there anything I can spray it with, I know it's the wrong time of year but where do I stand? It's such a small job but I'm aware of implications so I'd just like the facts before I either do it or say no.....if I refuse I want a good reason as I pretend to be a proper know all problem solver and the bird in charge of it is half tidy. Thanks in advance Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Brewman 1,192 Posted August 23, 2015 Report Share Posted August 23, 2015 With the hogweed make sure you wear protective clothing all over. The sap is caustic when it reacts with direct sunlight. Cut it down one day and do your other work the next as it drys out fairly quickly. Cant help with the spraying sorry. But if you need any help with the tidy birdet me know lol. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AKA-BRINDLE 879 Posted August 23, 2015 Report Share Posted August 23, 2015 There seems to be a big fuss about Giant hogweed in the media just lately...like its the invasion of the Triffids or something..there was loads about where i grew up as a kid...just cut it down and rake it out the way Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted August 23, 2015 Report Share Posted August 23, 2015 Spray the hogweed on a hot day ...three days later cut it down ....... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DIDO.1 22,851 Posted August 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2015 Yeah I'm not over worried just didn't want to fall foul of any laws being in a town center Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted August 23, 2015 Report Share Posted August 23, 2015 Yeah I'm not over worried just didn't want to fall foul of any laws being in a town center If you cut it without spraying and the pod spills its thousands of seeds you will be in the shit mate ... Always spray first ....... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gnipper 6,616 Posted August 24, 2015 Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 How close to the stream is it? I think it's 3 metres you have to keep from water unless your using a special spray that has been passed for it. I'd wear protective clothing and drop the tree and leave the hogweed alone. Drill the stump and put neat roundup in. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DIDO.1 22,851 Posted August 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 Socks, I think it's to late in the year to spray, it may still produce seeds? I may be wrong though. You say I will be in the shit, is that legally in the shit? The willows are so thin i won't be able to drill em, it's a really small bush. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wyeman 1,275 Posted August 24, 2015 Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 Gives a lot of information on this link - refer to the section about the movement of invasive species! https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=458 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
leo1 134 Posted August 24, 2015 Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 The hogweed seed head will have popped already, spray it then cut it down , roundup pro biactive suitable for watercourses. Socks knows a way to do it but he weather struggles to reach a high of 22 degrees in Scotland lol so weel just keep spraying up here lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jamie m 668 Posted August 24, 2015 Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 Cut hog weed down and leave it be looks very attractive to a lot of people , as for the willow stumps . Round up tree and stump killer you just paint the mixture on to the stump directly , Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WILF 48,276 Posted August 24, 2015 Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 You are NOT allowed to spray or in any way risk contaminating a water course with herbicide. Just not allowed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
leo1 134 Posted August 24, 2015 Report Share Posted August 24, 2015 So how do you treat hogweed on and around river bankinv without spraying? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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