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Bramble control and pets

EvecakeEvecake Posts: 19
in Problem solving
My garden has been full of things growing too much since I moved in. 

When I got here the garden was overcome with pendulous sedge, I've managed to get rid of about 70% of it.
But then Herb robert, Passionflower, and bramble took over.
Bramble is the problem. And it's quite disguised by the remaining sedge. 

I'm struggling, even during lockdown (and not working long hours), to keep on top of the bramble!
It's incessant.
The problem is I have cats so worried about weed killer and the garden is all patio, the bramble roots are under concrete.
I rent and have no say in this. I'd much prefer having grass instead of concrete slabs! 

Any advice on how to tackle this?


Posts

  • SueAtooSueAtoo Posts: 380
    To get rid of brambles, hypericum, docks, bracken, oak seedlings etc. I make up a root killer solution, cut the stems off near the ground then use a small paintbrush to thoroughly dab and dribble over the cut stem. Takes time but seems to work.
    East Dorset, new (to me) rather neglected garden.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    The best way to get rid of bramble, and other undesirables, is to identify an area of the garden on which to focus and then dig out the plants and as much of their roots as possible. A spade, fork and axe or mattock are essential and often a tough old saw. Work for as long as your time and strength allow, then make a cuppa and admire your work. No chemicals AND a workout you would have to pay for at the gym.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    If the roots are in concrete and undiggable you just have to go through cutting off every stem as low to the ground as you can and then paint the stumps with a product such as Vitax SBK (Brushwood killer) .

    You can get a simple tool for getting into cracks between slabs and hoiking out roots of weeds.  We like this one https://www.worldofwolf.co.uk/categories/multi-change-tools/product/wolf-garten-multi-change-garden-scraper/FKM~FKM which is one of many separate tool heads and handles you can buy as needs and funds dictate for working with a short handle or a long one according to preference.   

    It helps to pour water along all the cracks and let it soak in for a bit to loosen the roots.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree with @Obelixx - if you use Vitax SBK it will kill those brambles  back. You won't be able to dig them out easily if they're in concrete etc, and it'll just be a depressing repeat process.
    The sedge is a real thug too. Bear in mind that you usually need some growth for weedkillers of any kind to be successful, although the Vitax product is often used during dormancy, so it's a case of reading the info to get the timing right.
    It's perfectly safe to use, pets or not, if you just follow the instructions.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I had an area to clear with similar problem plants which I done
    The thread is here-
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/988597/glyphosate-rosate36-dilution-rate/p1

    Only problem using glyphosphte is that the plants need to be actively growing, so it's getting a bit late for this year.
    Once dry it is not harmful to animals.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • EvecakeEvecake Posts: 19
    Thank you everyone! 
    As much of the roots are under concrete it looks like glyphosate is in order and some extra Dreamies for the cats while I keep them indoors while it dries.
  • Ferdinand2000Ferdinand2000 Posts: 537
    edited September 2020
    Evecake said:
    Thank you everyone! 
    As much of the roots are under concrete it looks like glyphosate is in order and some extra Dreamies for the cats while I keep them indoors while it dries.
    What is the lifestyle of your cats?

    If you keep them in at night then you could bring them in early one day, and apply the glyphosate in the latish afternoon. Should be fine by morning as it does not persist.

    I've been doing some ivy on the wall to the lane where I am, and have just been waiting until late evening when the dogwalkers are nearly all done. G is suggested to be less effective at evening or night, but it has still done the job.

    F
    “Rivers know this ... we will get there in the end.”
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Glyphosate needs 6 hours of dry sunshine to be fully absorbed or it will fail and be a waste or time and money.

    Keep the cats in for a day.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Ferdinand2000Ferdinand2000 Posts: 537
    edited September 2020
    Obelixx said:
    Glyphosate needs 6 hours of dry sunshine to be fully absorbed or it will fail and be a waste or time and money.

    Keep the cats in for a day.
    It worked for me, anyway. And the ivy is now dead. Guidance I have suggests afternoon is OK.

    Given that 5l of Glysphosate 360 will last me for years and years, and costs well under £30, I was happier avoiding any potential risk to passing dogs.

    F

    “Rivers know this ... we will get there in the end.”
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It's no longer available here and certainly cost more than that when it was.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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