Overrun by weeds....help!!!!!

[osprey]

My drive way has become overrun by weeds, nettles and lord knows what. Before I waste money at a garden centre on buying stuff I don't need, can anyone help me and advise me on the most effective weedkiller - I will need a lot of it. Also, will hiring a weed-burner be of any use and how effective are they in getting to the roots, or will burning off the visible part and then giving the base and roots a good dosing of weedkiller solve my problems for this summer? Thanks in advance.

[raysparx]

Hi osprey,

One of the cheapest weedkillers is Sodium Chlorate,simply mix it with water and apply,it will travel sideways so don't put it very near to plants or lawn, or you could try Path Clear,probably be quite a bit deaer though good luck, Ray

You could burn them as you say,then apply weedkiller,that should work ok as well.

[Clanad]

I think, from reading other posts, that Roundup is available in the U.K. This works well for almost anything, but, as previous, don't get it on grass or any other desirable plants. It becomes neutral in 48 hours or so...

[janetsflower]

Pathclear is the best - its a little expensive but keeps the treated area clear for 6 months, though its been a year since we did our gravel drive and its still clear now

[gardenknowin]

I would definitely advise Round-up, available widely. Buy the concentrate, mix with water as per instructions, and use a garden spray (or watering can with a fine rose) on the LEAVES - do not cut off the leaves first, as RU works best on broad leaves. It then penetrates to the roots and kills upwards, so you won't see much result for a few days. RU only kills what it touches and doesn't spread sideways in soil, and is safe for animal/offspring access after about 30 mins or so. It may be necessary to give leaves a second dose as some perennials are quite "sturdy". A pot of RU Conc is not cheap (around �20) but it goes a long way, and it does work. Sodium Chlorate is OK but it does spread in soil. Don't use RU in windy conditions or when rain (HAHAHA) is forecast, spray carefully - just enough to cover the leaves without drips. Weed burners are OK for a temp. solution but there are not many "systemic" weed-killers available to deal with remaining roots effectively. Pathclear is OK but doesn't have the clout of RU. Good luck - and no, I don't work for a company which supplies this ! - just I have to do a lot of weed clearance in my chosen walk-of-life and to my mind, RU does the job very well. I have used it with good success on real horrors like bidweed, ground elder and couch grass. It is essential to spray it on the leaves, though. Again, good luck, Osprey

[osprey]

Thanks for the advice everyone - where is the best place to buy Round Up Concentrate and/or Sodium Chlorate? Can you get them both in places like B & Q?

[SteveSxx]

Yes or try your local garden centre