Weed killers that are suitable for various surface types

Weed plants are a very annoying aspect to gardening due to their persistent and frequent nature that no piece of lawn is safe from. As a matter of fact, gaps in bricks and cement are also liable to host the dreaded growth. The thing is, it is so simple to get rid of them and have your gardens, patios, pavements and driveways looking respectful and noticeably improved!

Pro Green has made it simple and quick to treat weed issues in all types’ gardens that require different applications. In terms of weed killer for grass, there are many options available with simple dictionary instructions. They provide many solutions including Scotts Hammer (which shows results in 24 hours and is suitable for professional use) and Asteroid Bio Care (it is suitable for non-professional use yet still is a strong substance); both are part of the glyphosate weed killer range.

It is also a simple and a time efficient method to get rid of weed activity on block paving and gravel surfaces. Nomix Dual delivers up to 6 months control and also is versatile as it can be used for soft and hard surfaces. With six months control even the busiest of people can quickly apply the solution and see it work wonders.

All kinds of people can use these solutions, whether you are a professional gardener or just want to obtain a visually appealing weed-free area then it is essential to invest in simple-to-use weed killers. Pro Green’s online manuals and comparison tables show which products you suit your needs and are most useful to your situation.

Round Up Weed Killer 101

Roundup is a well-known weed killer and many people use it for effective and long lasting weed killing.

However, the effectiveness of Roundup depends on the way it is used. If the user knows how to apply the product perfectly, the results of the Roundup application would be as desired.

If you are using Roundup to eliminate unwanted vegetation, you have made the right decision. Roundup holds Glyphosate isoproplymine salt as an active ingredient which is the most effective part of the product and eliminates weeds permanently. Glyphosate weed killer is widely known as the enemy of unwanted weeds.

However, Roundup is a non-selective product when it comes to the destruction of vegetation, which makes the product useful for a number of applications. Roundup would kill just about any green plant regardless of the species. This makes it the perfect product to get rid of garden weeds or those weeds that are visible in the edges around walkways.

This product works in a systematical manner as it moves through the plant and then to the root. The product is composed in a way that doesn’t affect the soil even if applied directly to the soil. This is the reason why Roundup is a safe product to apply just before seeding or laying sod on a lawn.

You should make sure to use Roundup in a day when the air temperature is at least 60 degrees. Also, there shouldn’t be much wind as it can slow down or minimise the effectiveness of the product. You should also wear safety gear to protect your hands, eyes and mouth while you deal with Roundup.

Once you have applied the Roundup on the grass and its roots, you will have to wait for 10 days to see ultimate results. You will see complete vegetation elimination within 10 days and once you get the desired results, you can move on to the other tasks in your garden.

Whip Your Paddock into Shape

Treating your grass as a crop will help you to get the most out of your paddock. There is no quick fix for paddock care, but if you focus on the farming basics of:-

• Soil analysis
• Fertilising
• Re-seeding
• Weed control

You will be providing the best possible grazing conditions.

PADDOCK SOIL ANALYSIS

A nutritionally well balanced soil produces a healthy grass sward which competes against moss & invading weeds such as ragwort, docks, thistles & nettles. A simple soil analysis will identify key nutrients that may be limiting grass growth & help us devise a programme to optimise paddock performance.

Soil analysis – grazing horses

This test focuses on optimising the grazing needs of your horse or pony
Test includes – sample bag & pre-paid postage
Post back & get results within 7-10 days

 

 

Soil analysis for re-seeding
A broad spectrum soil test will tell us how you need to prepare your soil for re-seeding
Progreen will give bespoke advice based on your individual results
Results available in 7-10 days.

Soil analysis results are interpreted free of charge by our experts and each result will receive a tailored treatment programme

PADDOCK FERTILISERS & GRASS IMPROVERS

Paddock Royale Fertiliser 25kg
Specifically devised for horse & pony paddocks
Apply from early March for season long grass
Best applied using a granular spreader

 

 

Grasstrac 20kg
Supplies vital trace elements to grassland
Increase the health & vigour of grazing livestock
One application per year
Apply any time of the year

 

 

PADDOCK GRASS SEED

Classic Horse & Paddock Grass Seed
Ideal for renovation or newly sown paddocks
Produces a dense, hard-wearing sward
Gives quality grazing & a hay cut if required.

Other grass seeds available including:
Lawns
Sports & Amenity
Landscape

WEEDKILLERS FOR PADDOCKS

Ragwort control

March & April is the prime time to control Ragwort, plants should be at the rosette stage & actively growing (see below for the ideal size to treat).

If your spray timing has been missed Ragwort plants must be dug up rather than cut or sprayed, as cutting or mowing Ragwort results in strong re-growth & chemical control of this re-growth is not effective.

Barrier H 5l
Use at rosette stage for best results
Environmentally friendly citronella oil
Ready to use pack – simple, safe & accurate
Provides all year round control

Ragtime 5l
Ideal for spring & autumn treatment
Also effective on docks, thistles & buttercups
No need for protective clothing
Comes in a ready to use pack

Thrust 5l
Controls ragwort, thistles, nettles, docks, buttercups & clover
Use in a knapsack or boom sprayer
Highly effective professional use product
Boost weed control by adding Solar Plus

Headland Polo 10l
Selectively controls docks, thistles, nettles, ragwort & buttercups
Apply with a boom sprayer only
For complete ragwort control apply in spring & autumn
Boost weed control by adding Solar Plus

Unsure which product is best for you?
Call our technical team on freephone 0800 032 6262 or email us – we’re here to help!

Dock, thistle, nettle & buttercup control

Grazon Pro
Proven control of thistles, nettles & docks
Approved for spot treatment only with a knapsack sprayer
Rainfast in 2 hours, kills down to the root

Kaskara
Controls a wide range of broad leaved weeds including thistles, nettles & woody weeds
Approved on amenity, permanent grassland, forestry & non-cropped areas
Apply using a knapsack or boom sprayer

Pastor
Proven choice for professionals wanting to control a broad spectrum of weeds
Broad acre control of docks, thistles & nettles
Approved for boom sprayer application

Headland Relay-P
Selectively controls a vast range of perennial, biennial & annual weeds
Use for both spring & autumn weed control
Boost weed control by adding Solar Plus
Apply with knapsack or boom sprayer

Please note livestock exclusion may be necessary with some products. Always read the label

APPLICATION & PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Microwipe weedwipe applicator
Spot treats weeds, simply & economically
Use to apply glyphosate weedkiller such as Roundup Pro Biactive
Control weeds where spray drift is unwanted
Available as an angled head or tee design

KS16 Value knapsack 16L

Suitable for a wide range of agricultural & horticultural uses
Robust, easy to use offering excellent value
Comes with flat fan & cone nozzle suitable for most spraying situations

Cooper Pegler CP3 knapsack 20L
The professionals choice of knapsack
Fully serviceable & wide range of accessories
Ergonomical and easy to use

Includes face shield, lung mask (x3), disposable coverall & heavy duty nitrile gloves
Save 15% when you buy a safety clothing bundle
Complies with pesticide code of practice

Choosing the right weed killer

There are 4 characteristics that are altered within weed killers. Pre-emergence is a factor of weed killer that targets seeds that are in the midst of germination. This means that they are best suited to fighting weeds that emerge seasonally due to their reproductive trait. Post-emergence weed killers for grass work more specifically to weeds that have already further developed.  Post-emergence usually come in a liquid form that is sprayed on the leaves; whilst pre-emergence is applied to the soil in a liquid form.

Selectivity type is very important as it treats other plants and growth around the weeded area. Selective products will not harm the surrounding plantation or grass (making them more beneficial to gardens and lawn areas). On the other hand, non-selective solutions will effectively damage the roots of all plants in the treated area (more suited to weed growing in drains, pavements and gravel).

Persistence is what the future the state of weed growth will be like. Persistent weed killers will have long term prevention on the growth in the treated area, as germination will be slow but most likely stopped. Therefore this must be considered if you are looking to reseed. If this is the case then the non-persistent short term weed killers for grass will be less harmful to near future planting plans.

Finally there is contact or trans-located. This basically asks how you want the weed to die! Contact herbicides will kill the part of the weed it is applied to, which is perfect for users that want to clear the area of unwanted weeds in areas needed for planting. Trans-located products attack the weed through its internal structure. This process is a little longer but does have more precise and permanent advantage!

Controlling Horsetail

It is often difficult to find a product to use on horsetail that works, but we think we have found it.

Progreen Weed Control has delivered an excellent product that controls horsetail and is called ‘Kurtail’.

Horsetail is very difficult to control and this is largely down to the growth of its extensive underground rooting system which can often be up to about two metres long. It is similar to Japanese Knotweed in the respect of being one of the biggest weed headaches.

Kurtail works in a way that combats the weeds right down to the root, which in turn controls the growth without affecting the area, in case you are deciding to re-plant. This is due to its non-residual nature and ‘contact-only’ type of action.

Horsetail control has been an on-going problem for some time and only now is it possible to properly control it with help from Kurtail, which has cemented its market standard on the problem.

So if you are looking for a prolific way on how to combat horsetail, then you have found the right product in Kurtail. This is a weed killer that works.

Control Grass And Weeds

Grass and unwanted weeds can grow in a number of areas and can cause a lot of problems in the process.

A number of these problematic areas of annual grasses, perennial grasses and broad-leaved weeds exist in non-crop areas. This is in places like roadsides, paths, hard surfaces and along fences and walls.

When trying to tackle these types of weeds and grass, it is important to clean up the ground prior to planting or sowing, which will ensure full weed control can take place. A perfect solution for this is Roundup Pro Biactive.

Roundup Pro Biactive has been specially formulated in order to offer an incredibly safe operation. Not only is it safe but it is powerful too as it can withstand a number of conditions including weather (rain in particular).

This solution contains an enzyme called Glyphosate, which controls weeds through blocking the plant’s enzyme system. This enzyme does not exist in humans, animals, birds or fish, and this further emphasises the safety of the product for users and the environment.

Roundup Pro Biactive can be also used to directly spray onto an ornamental type plant within the home. For optimum control over perennial grasses, annual grasses and broad-leaved weeds, you should use Roundup Pro Biactive.

The Cost of Conifer Mite

There is nothing more worrying than seeing Conifer Mite damage on Leylandii or Conifers.  Not only is the ‘grey-browning’ of foliage unsightly but if untreated it will kill trees and hedges; resulting in rapid loss of screening and eventually a costly replanting.

Recent warm weather has already seen hatching of Conifer Mite, so monitoring for this pest should be happening now. Infestation is rapid and treatment must be carried out as soon as Mites are spotted, ensuring damage is reduced.

So what is the solution?

One recognised option for control is Certis Spraying Oil.   The Spraying Oil works in two ways.  Firstly it deals with the primary infestation, followed by the added benefit of making it difficult for migrating mites to re-attach to the foliage, further reducing the chance of re-infestation.  Mixed with water, the petroleum and surfactants in Certis Spraying Oil create a thick white emulsion, clearly identifying treated areas.

Other pests controlled include Cypress Aphids, Red Spider Mites, Mealy Bugs and difficult to treat scaled insects, which makes it an excellent all round product and not just a treatment for Conifer Mite.

To find out more on recognition & treatment of Conifer and Spider Mites damage visit www.progreen.co.uk

The Unwanted Pillar of Society!

There’s a new pest on the block, increasing in numbers, defoliating trees and posing a serious threat to human health. 

The larvae (caterpillars) of the “Oak Processionary Moth” (Thaumetopoea processionea) predominantly feed on oak, but also hornbeam, hazel, beech, chestnut and birch.

Although the leaf damage can be servere, Oak Processionary caterpillars pose a serious risk to human health. The caterpillars are covered in bristle-like hairs containing a chemical toxin. Human contact with the hairs can provoke allergic reactions manifested as skin rashes, conjunctivitis and respiratory problems such as pharyngitis and asthma. Health problems can occur even if the larvae are not handled as the hairs break off readily and are dispersed in air currents. Abandoned caterpillar nests contain shed caterpillar skins, pupal.

The likelihood of human contact is increased as OPM are most abundant on urban trees, along forest edges and in amenity woodlands.

Moth populations are well established and increasing in northern Europe in response to climate change. OPM is spreading in London and has been detected further afield and as far North as Sheffield.

So what is the solution? The biological insecticide “Dipel DF” contains naturally occurring bacteria which is highly effective at controlling caterpillars. Dipel DF is approved for use in 190 different crop types including vegetables, fruit, forestry, and amenity situations.

Although lethal to caterpillar, Dipel DF is non toxic, biodegradable and safe to other insects, fish, animals and humans and permissible in organic situations.  Once a caterpillar has ingested Dipel DF, it stops feeding in minutes and dies within 24-72 hours.

Dipel DF is available to purchase at www.progreen.co.uk

A 0.5kg packs is sufficient to treat 6666m2 (1.66 acres).  Full instructions and a safety data sheet are available to download at the above website.

Dealing with moss, algae & lichen on hard surfaces & roofs

Controlling moss & algae on hard surfaces
The last few weeks has seen moss & algae starting to become a real problem, causing slippery, dangerous paths, patios, paving stones & driveways.

With winter on its way this will only get worse.  Now is the time to get on top of these hazardous surfaces and this can be done by using moss and algae control products such as MossGo & Mogeton. Click here for our “Specific Weed Control Guide to Moss”

MossGo 2.5L, 5L & MossGo Pro 5L

• Suitable for use on block paving, timber decking, cladding, tennis courts & glass houses
• One application a year is usually enough to treat green algae
• Use every few years to treat moss
• Approved for professional & non-professional use
• Can be applied using a knapsack or watering can
• Also ideal for tiled roofs – see our video
• MossGo 2.5L pack treats up to  315m². 5L packs treats up to 630m²
• MossGo Pro 5L pack ideal for large areas & professional use. Treats up to 1,710m²

From £19.99 excl. VAT & delivery

Mogeton 0.75KG

• Professional use hard surface cleaner for removal of accumulations of dirt or slime
• Suitable for paths, steps, walls, fences, roofs, driveways, yards, hard tennis courts, exteriors & other outdoor surfaces
• Can be applied using a knapsack or watering can
• Safe on all material including concrete, asphalt, stone brick work, cement rendering, ceramic tiles, glass, metal, slate, tiles & thatch
• Note this current product is approved for hard surfaces.  Available while stocks last
• Harmful to fish – do not use around ponds or surfaces liable to drain into water courses such as lakes, streams or rivers
• Mogeton 0.75KG pack treats 315m²

£54.94 excl. VAT & delivery

Controlling moss on roofs

Moss is not only an issue on paths & surfaces but can also cause problems with roof tiling.

Damage can be caused when moss grows onto the top few millimetres of tiles causing them to lift & allow water to get between them.  Indirectly moss can also cause further damage in cooler weather when water in the moss expands, causing tiles to crack – again allowing water into the roofing void.

Treating moss on roofs can be done by using products such as MossGo. Click here to see our video

MossGo 2.5L, 5L & MossGo Pro 5L

• Ideal for tiled roofs –see our video
• Suitable for use on block paving, timber decking, cladding, tennis courts & glass houses
• One application a year is usually enough to treat green algae
• Use every few years to treat moss
• Approved for professional & non-professional use
• Can be applied using a knapsack or watering can
• MossGo 2.5L pack treats up to  315m². 5L packs treats up to 630m²
• MossGo Pro 5L pack ideal for large areas and professional use. Treats up to 1,710m²

From £19.99 excl. VAT & delivery
Click here for our “Specific Weed Control Guide to Moss”

Why do you need pesticide training?

You legally need training & a certificate of competence to use professional use pesticides under the Safe Use of Pesticides Control of Pesticide Regulations when: –

• You are born after 31 December 1964, unless you are working directly under & being personally supervised by a current certificate holder
• You want to apply pesticides to property or land that is not owned or occupied by yourself
• You are required to supervise a person who does not have a certificate themselves

For further details on all our training courses click here

We are always adding new courses & dates

Call freephone on 0800 032 6262 to discuss any training requirements or questions you may have or email info@progreen.co.uk

Lawn Care Problems

Taking care of a lawn is not an easy task and upkeep requires a lot of planning and effort on your part. There are a lot of things that you need to look out for when taking care of your lawn.
Every gardening specialist has their own way of dealing with lawn care problems but the best and the most suitable solutions of the problem are listed below.

Problem Of Grub – The grub problem arises when the beetle larvae starts to eat the roots of the grass and leaves dead spots on it which looks unattractive. It also attracts different sorts of animals who feed on larvae and they dig up the whole lawn to feed on it. In order to get rid of this problem, what you can do is use Imidacloprid which will take care of the problem but make sure that you apply this substance in the spring or summer time.

Bug infestation – Bugs feed on grass and as a result the grass starts to turn a shade of brown which looks hideous and unattractive. There are many pesticides available in the market which you can use to treat this problem.

Problem Of Webworms – These are tiny caterpillars which are grey in color and tend to feed on grass. They might look small but they can do considerable amounts of damage to the grass and the best way to treat this problem is to use an effective insecticide which kills them all and prevents them from coming back.
Crab Grass – Crab grass tends to grow in a lawn when the sunlight reaches the ground. Whenever you see that there is crab grass starting to grow in your lawn, there is no better way to deal with it except for using Glyphosate Weed Killer.

Brown Grass – If your grass turns a shade of brown then it is normally down to human error. This usually occurs when you mow the lawn and cut the grass too short.
These are the most common problems with every lawn and everyone has their own way of dealing with them but make sure that you tackle the problem as soon as you see it to ensure that your garden doesn’t get worse.