Amenity Weed Management that reduces Glyphosate usage by 60%
Experts in amenity weeds; Environment Controls’ bespoke built quadbikes and tech provide councils with a more sustainable weed management solution that reduces costs and herbicide usage.
The reduction in Glyphosate (an approved herbicide used to treat amenity weeds) is achieved by our in-house BASIS Advisor evolving a special tank mix and developing bespoke built quad bikes that are more efficient and effective at targeted spraying. Knapsacks are also used to spray herbicide in narrow streets or pavements that quadbikes cannot access – using a new ultra low volume Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) hand-held unit.
Designed in-house, developed by a leading sprayer manufacturer, the new quadbikes provide full control of independent sprayer nozzles ensuring a targeted approach to weed control.
These highly efficient quad units provide a full width application span of over 2 metres using ultra low drift nozzles that conform to all current and forthcoming legislation. Tech on-board gives full GPS tracking with snail trail reports of areas treated – all provided live to the client if required.
The main benefit of this new equipment and methodology being the high daily outputs that speed up contract completion with significantly reduced and minimal herbicide usage for councils looking to save money and build a more sustainable weed management strategy.
What is amenity weed management?
General weeds grow on hard surfaces such as highways, roads, paths and amenity areas such as sports grounds and facilities. Amenity weed control services are geared for councils and managers required to annually maintain property, public spaces and road networks. Without regular maintenance these general weeds (and often some invasive weeds such as Himalayan balsam) can get unsightly or even cause a safety hazard. Councils must ensure weed clearance is part of their yearly strategy
Glyphosate is the best approved herbicide to use, and when used in a controlled and timely way is highly effective as part of an integrated weed management strategy where herbicide spraying only targets visible actively growing weeds. This means only essential herbicide is used, rather than a more ‘blanket-spray’ approach.
Is all amenity weed management the same?
Not all weed control is based on sustainable reduced herbicide usage. Plenty of contractors will fulfil council’s amenity contracts without deploying CDA or adequate tracking to be able to calculate the most effective herbicide mix.
It pays to ask contractors what their exact methodology is – how will they be using and applying herbicide and what level of reporting will be supplied. Only then can council managers retain tight control over their budget for weed spraying contracts across the council.
Integrated Weed Management (IWM) is not a new buzzword
The term “IWM” has been around for decades, but not all weed contractors will understand or know how to adopt this approach that looks for alternative methods of weed control to include alongside herbicide spraying. Examples may be sowing wild flower verges to reduce mowing regimes.
Why is IWM important?
- New government directives mean Local Authorities should evidence an amenity weed management strategy that is compliant with current legislation and environmentally sustainable.
- The next generation of home buyers will expect to see a legacy of improvement when it comes to keeping their environment weed free.
- Commercial businesses seek options that meet their biodiversity goals.
Keeping sports grounds weed free
When it comes to sports grounds such as rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, golf clubs and running tracks, the most cost effective solution is to have multiple grounds treated in one day. It may take several treatments to get control of weeds on the grounds and hard surfaces, but once established the grounds can remain weed free for all to enjoy.
What about moss and algae?
During winter moss and algae will build up on hard surfaces and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) creating a slippery hazard to the public. It’s advisable to have treatments booked in before winter with a reputable weed control contractor to get rid of moss and algae before it gets to be a risk factor.