SPECIALIST HEMLOCK CONTROL SERVICES

OUR SPECIALIST CONTROL SERVICES WILL TREAT OR ERADICATE THIS SPECIES. TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE HEMLOCK USE OUR FREE ID TOOL OR BOOK A SURVEY

TREATMENT & REMOVAL

Hemlock can be treated with herbicide or excavated, but it’s important to note that all parts of the plant above and below ground growth need to be completely removed from site, and due to its toxicity levels, this must be done by a trained professional if the result is required to be permanent.

To find out the best way to remove Hemlock and the best time of year to have treatment or excavation carried out get in touch.

WHY IS HEMLOCK A PROBLEM?

Apart from the fact that it is highly toxic, Hemlock treatment or removal is required to be carried out by trained professionals who are experienced in dealing with such plants. The main issue is correctly identifying the plant, as it can look like a lot of river or canal plants. With this species our advice is – get the professionals in.

Aside form getting the correct identification, any treatment or eradication programme will most likely require an Aqua Herb license due to its habitual preference to growing next to water bodies.

ABOUT HEMLOCK

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Conium maculatum
ORIGIN: Europe & North Africa

A biennial herbaceous flowering plant that is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae) it is colloquially known as Hemlock, Poison hemlock or Wild hemlock, this species is highly poisonous. All parts of the plant are toxic, even dead stems can remain toxic for up to 3 years.

• A tall green plant – grows up to 2m high.
• Purple spotted stems.
• Umbrella like clusters of small white flowers in June and July.
• Repellent smell.
• Highly toxic both green and cut, dried plant are poisonous (see below).
• NOTE: Often confused for the edible herb – Chervil.

HABITAT

Hemlock prefers a damp environment such as ditches, riverbanks, waste ground and rubbish tips. It also happily grows on farmland and in woodland areas and is often found on roadsides.

IMPACT: HIGH

A fast-growing species, Hemlock can reduce native plant cover by blocking out sunlight to native plant communities in riparian woodlands, floodplains of natural aquatic systems, and grazing areas, particularly pastures and meadows.

TOXICITY: EXTREMELY HIGH

Hemlock is highly toxic to livestock and humans and can be fatal. Symptoms display after 30 minutes to three hours depending on the amount ingested. Poisoning affects the nervous and respiratory systems and can lead to respiratory failure. Symptoms include trembling, burning sensation in digestive tract, increased salivation, dilated pupils, muscle pain, weakness, rapid followed by decreased heart rate, loss of speech, convulsions and unconsciousness. When touched the plant can generate a painful rash, or burning on the eyes.