T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

[Kiwi Phil]

Thought I had best start a new thread as i don't want to divert from the other one.

OK, here is a suggestion T2F re weeds on your drive.
Maybe this will give others ideas too.

Instead of spending big bucks on a couple of loads of gavel chip to cover the area in front of the boat barn, think about hitting it with roundup.

You will be aware it is Glyphosate, and now it is out of Monsanto patent (I think around 2000) every agricultural chemical company in the country seems to put out their own 'brand', which means it is now pretty reasonable on the pocket.

I am probably trying to teach you to suck eggs here, but if you buy the 'proper' stuff from the ag/rural supply companies, then you should need something like 3mls per litre of water (I think!! - better have a look some day - my workers spray here) but anyway, the point is, a 5 Litre bottle lasts a very long time.

I apply it from a 15 litre back pack (German Solo - they last and last), and I like to toss a little nitrogen (soluble) in the tank, so the plant thinks, "hey, here comes a foliar feed", so open up to take it in, and bingo, they also get the herbicide. That's how I think anyway.

The strawberry farmer I know is putting a dye in his, so his stupid workers know where the stuff went, and he can check on how well they are doing the job, or hiding down the back paddock having a ***.

I have also found, this stuff is excellent for fence lines, around trees and other obstacles, and the best time to hit is just before spring, then repeat every 3 weeks.
I find the first hit takes maybe 45-60 Litres, the 2nd hit maybe 30Litres, and from then on out, it is just spot spraying the new emerging seeds, maybe 5 litres, and full control. When you stop, then the weeds get away on you, and then you have to get on top of them again.

Anyway, sorry to bore you all.
Cheers
Phillip

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

I tend to stay away from the chemicals since my well head is only 2 meters from my read door step. My well is only 150' deep so I avoid the chemical treatments.

I do agree that "round up" products work

 

[tommays]

Re: T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

While it works i have mixed feelings on using it due the ground water issues we face on Long Island and the bigger issue of runoff affecting the sea life in Long Island Sound as the lobsters are so close to insects a lot of stuff we use kills them as an unintended consequence

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

I have used Roundup concentrate on my gravel driveway for years and now it has a rain sheild and can apply an hour before it rains. I mix 4 oz. of concentrate to two gallons of water and spray three times between spring and Fall because the weeds do not sprout all at the same time. So i more or less spot spray.

The pre mix gallon is a waste of money, you are paying for 99 percent water.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

Thanks, Phillip. Very interesting.

 

[sasto]

Re: T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

Round-up with a pre-emergent......keeps the weeds down for more than 6 months in our year-around growing season. Good Luck!

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

While it works i have mixed feelings on using it due the ground water issues we face on Long Island and the bigger issue of runoff affecting the sea life in Long Island Sound as the lobsters are so close to insects a lot of stuff we use kills them as an unintended consequence

Tom, if you do have a use for the product, then may I suggest you do a little reading on the product. Some of the 'hear-say' info spread around is quite misleading - no, it is downright incorrect. But if you don't have a need, then no point.

Now just general comment.
In horticulture, we believe the other things, such as the 'carriers' (I think they call them adjacens or something), and the water it is mixed in, is more dangerous than the glyphosate.

The really big secret (like using all chemicals) is to use the advised dose. Dumping 'extra' in your tank has absolutely no 'extra effect whatsoever'. People often think it is like using sugar - 2 teaspoons of sugar makes your coffee twice as sweet. Not the case here.

It is quite clever how is works.
For those that think it 'bad' then maybe you should read the facts about it.
It is not a pre-emergence herbicide, but when you do what sasto does, that is a really good way to control weed. I seriously have to get organised and go that way too.

When I started out in horticulture, I was made the boss of a large public rose garden and 40 acre public gardens. The oldest worker said when he started as a kid there were 45 gardeners, and they spent endless hours 'weeding'. When 'roundup came' everything changed, and 3 years later there were only 15 workers left. There were 6 when I was there because of further improved equipment and practices. This product changed the face of horticulture and the productivity of agriculture.

Personally, I think it a bit like the chlorine and the vaccine debate.

Cheers
Phillip

 

[Bondo]

Re: T2F. Weeds and Gravel Driveways.

Personally, I think it a bit like the chlorine and the vaccine debate.

Ayuh,..... Funny you should mention that,.....
I find Clorox to be the Greatest weed killer ever....
At a buck a gallon, compared to roundup, it's free...

Dandelions are a Paver's worst nightmare,...
When We go onto a driveway job, if it needs regrading, the guy on the blade has to chase 'em to scarify the area, then regrade, 'n compact...
If you can turn the root of 'em, they'll Die...
Trouble is, the root is 6"/8" deep....
The darn things'll grow right up through 2" of blacktop,...
In a week or 2 you'll see golfballs growin' outa ya driveway blacktop,...
Another week, they're baseballs,... with little green leaves growing out the very top....

Usually atleast once a year, I have to go fix 'em,..
I pour a cup of Clorox down the hole, heat the B/T with a big torch, 'n Beat it back down with a tamper...
If they're still golfball sized, it's just the cup of Clorox, 'n beat it down with a sledgehammer...

If your trying to kill the Green in a stone driveway,....
Diesel fuel, will kill Everything, but Dandelions.... Clorox kills them...
The caveat is, Mother Nature always wins,.. new weeds will appear,... it's a matter of time...