The War on Weeds and other Pests

With summer having arrived safely throughout the UK following a wet May, growth is exceptional. Here, Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control gives his monthly advice on what to look out for.

Council cut-backs are showing up across the country making driving even more hazardous than usual. With species like hogweed, thistles, docks, etc. growing quicker and higher than grasses; a judicious spray of a selective herbicide mixed with trinexapac-ethyl PGR is the way forward. 

It would increase safety by a huge percentage and save money for councils as the grass would be lower and less dense when a cut finally became necessary.

This practice is a proven mix and will be a major player in the control of amenity grass and weed growth throughout many county council spheres of work including housing areas and open spaces. When budgets are being attacked so severely, people must look outside the box and see what is available that is both cost effective and does the job. 

Staying with Councils, the 'lowest price' seems to be the way they are going when awarding some contracts. But this does not always mean the cheapest option for them in the long run. 

Their officers may have to run around more to ensure the job is happening and being carried out as per the specification.  Depending how much of the above occurs and how many complaints are received at the switchboard, the actual cost may end being considerably higher than the original tender price. 

With so many hoops to jump through, as a contractor, applying pesticides safely throughout the UK and Ireland, CWC have achieved the Amenity Approved Standard, ISO 9001 and 14002 across all our Franchisees. 

We adhere to these standards every day, and NOT just the day of the audit. 

With our WEED-IT technology blazing a trail down many street pavements, our franchisees comply with EU legislation and the new herbicide labelling on glyphosate products. 

The law is that only spot treatment of weeds on hard surfaces is permitted. This law, as long as it is adhered to by ALL personnel applying Glyphosate to street pavements and other hard surfaces, will prolong the life of glyphosate. 

If it is used incorrectly and perhaps blanket sprayed, then it may be found in water courses. The water framework directive gives the Environment Agency the power to closely look for pesticides in water. The result could be the withdrawal of glyphosate from use. 

This would be disastrous for all of us, resulting in much higher food prices as agriculture would be hit hard and the cost of keeping the streets and high profile amenity areas clear of weeds would be colossal.