Tag Archive for: Weed

The weed brush for every application

The weed brush for every application:  With its mechanical weed brushes, AS-Motor offers a method for sustainable, cost-effective and efficient weed removal on paved surfaces. The familiar portfolio is now being usefully supplemented by a new top model: the AS 60 WeedHex with a working width of 60 cm and the reliable Honda GCV 200 with 5.6 hp maximum power.

The AS 60 WeedHex was developed to meet the requirements of construction yards and service providers and is therefore extremely versatile. Its working width makes it ideal for cleaning large areas. However, its compact design also allows it to be used in confined and uneven areas in public spaces and along walls and kerbs. For this purpose, the brush can be adjusted sideways to work even better in joints or crevices.

The weed brush for every application

The weed brush for every application

The torque is multiplied by a mechanical reduction gear on the brush. This allows the brush speed to be reduced to just 190 revolutions per minute. The low brush speed ensures a very long brush service life and minimises the risk of stone chipping. The brush therefore comes without a protective cloth as standard. An adjustable protective cloth is available as an option, which holds the swept material together in a swath and makes subsequent sweeping easier. A metal ring around the brush holder prevents the brushes from hitting corners, edges and obstacles.

Thanks to a blade clutch, the brush head can be conveniently switched on or off even when the motor is running. The even weight distribution of the AS 60 WeedHex makes it easier to push the machine, which can also negotiate steps and landings thanks to its large pneumatic tyres with ball bearings.

The AS 60 WeedHex is available to order now and will be delivered from May 2024.

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Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function: Complete Weed Control, the longest established amenity weed control company in the UK and Ireland, has announced significant additions to its sales team with the appointment of Mark Pyrah as sales director and Simon Pannell as group sales director.

Mark Pyrah brings a wealth of experience to the role having held a leadership position at ICL, as well as overseeing the team at Amega Sciences. His extensive career within the sector spans nearly four decades, contributing to his deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry.

Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

Regarding his move to Complete Weed Control, Mark expressed enthusiasm for the well-respected business, citing a positive and productive working relationship with the company’s leadership. He emphasised the robust service offering, consistency across the network and the commitment to delivering high standards as key factors that attracted him to the organisation.

Mark’s new role within Complete Weed Control will focus on cultivating customer relationships, attracting new contracts and negotiating deals with suppliers. He plans to spend time with individual regional managers to understand their challenges, aiming to facilitate joined-up solutions across the organisation. Mark also looks forward to meeting customers and aiding expansion into new markets.

Highlighting challenges facing the sector, Mark pointed to increasing regulations over spraying activity and sees an opportunity for Complete Weed Control to champion advancements, such as the use of WEEDit technology, to promote best practice.

Joining the team alongside Mark Pyrah, Simon Pannell assumes the role of group sales director, bringing a wealth of experience dating back to 1998. Simon’s proven track record includes significant growth achieved in various roles with Litterboss, CC Cousins, MITIE Landscapes, Integritas Landscapes, John O’Conner GM and at Countrywide GM, where he served as national accounts sales director.

Simon expressed his passion for building relationships and underscored the importance of understanding customer challenges. His goal is to target new business opportunities across the UK, catering to the diverse needs of customers.

The appointments of Mark Pyrah and Simon Pannell signal a strategic move by Complete Weed Control to further solidify its position as the leading player in the amenity weed control industry.

Ian Graham, managing director of Complete Weed Control shared his enthusiasm regarding the dual appointments, stating: “We are confident that the addition of Mark and Simon to our team will greatly enhance our growth trajectory. Their combined experience and deep understanding of the industry will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.”

He added: “Our nationwide presence aligns seamlessly with the requirements of businesses operating across multiple locations, and this new director-level appointment underscores our commitment to prioritising and fostering relationships with such entities.”

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Safe Weed Control by name and nature

Safe Weed Control by name and nature: As awareness of the hazards associated with glyphosate continues to grow across the globe, it is unsurprising that the number of commercial organisations switching to non-herbicidal weed control is on the rise.

Safe Weed Control, based on the outskirts of Auckland in New Zealand, was established to service vegetation clearance for a range of clients including those in environmentally sensitive areas, which they tackle with ease thanks to Foamstream.

Safe Weed Control by name and nature

Safe Weed Control by name and nature

Owner of Safe Weed Control Matt Kirby was first introduced to Foamstream through his father, who was an early adopter of the technology, available from Weedingtech. “I established Safe Weed Control four years ago after spotting a gap in the New Zealand market for clients who don’t want to be using chemical herbicides but aren’t necessarily sizeable enough to invest in their own Foamstream equipment” he explains. “It was the simplicity and effectiveness of the system really appealed to me.”

Foamstream kills unwanted vegetation including weeds, moss and algae using the precise application of hot water insulated by a biodegradable, organic, plant-based foam. Delivered via a range of patented machinery, the retained heat from the water penetrates the plant through the leaves and travels down the root, killing the weeds quickly and safely.

“We have an L12 and M1200 unit which we use on all of our jobs – everything from roads and verges, to boat ramps and retirement villages! The vast majority of our workload is in playgrounds and Foamstream is absolutely ideal for this purpose, preserving the aesthetic of the area with no harmful chemicals which children can potentially ingest.”

As well as killing the plant, Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores, reducing future regrowth which results in fewer treatment cycles per year compared to other non-herbicidal methods of weed control such as burning or steam. “We get fantastic results with this system, in all environments – including sensitive areas – and in all weathers, which is another major plus on the Foamstream system.”

Matt continues, “In addition, the technical team at Weedingtech have always gone above and beyond. Despite the time difference, someone will tend to make themselves available and provide patient, knowledgeable and methodical advice when we’ve needed it.”

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The science-backed solution to sustainable weed control

The science-backed solution to sustainable weed control: The decision to reduce or eradicate the use of herbicides may be taken for many reasons, but with a wide range of alternatives available, how can facilities be assured that a non-chemical option is going to provide a viable solution?

To provide confidence, Foamstream has been the subject of numerous independently controlled studies conducted by the University of Pisa, University of Athens and Cornell University, together with The US Department of Natural Resources and the Austrian Institute of Technology – all of which highlight the comparable or superior performance of Foamstream when compared to glyphosate.

The science-backed solution to sustainable weed control

The science-backed solution to sustainable weed control

An ever-increasing body of evidence indicates the substantial negative impact on nature, human beings and the environment caused by the existing level of herbicide use. Factor in that the amount of herbicide-resistant weeds is also on the rise, and green space managers are potentially having to increase the number of spray operations they conduct in any given period. It is therefore not surprising that facilities from all corners of grounds and public space management are seeking safer and more sustainable solutions that can deliver effective weed and vegetation control without detriment to the operator and the environment.

The patented Foamstream process combines hot water and an organically-derived biodegradable foam, delivered through one of Weedingtech’s range of machines. The active ingredient is the hot water, with the foam acting as an ‘insulation blanket’, preventing the heat from escaping and keeping the water in the ‘kill zone’ (temperatures of 57o and above) for longer. The heat penetrates the waxy outer layer of the leaf, travels down the stem and into the roots – killing or severely damaging the plant and causing it to die. In addition to eradicating the plant, Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores that haven’t yet germinated, helping to reduce future weed growth.

Since its launch in 2011, numerous high profile individual academic trials have been published citing the efficacy of Foamstream – one of the most recent, in 2022, being the University of Athens study which found that Foamstream reduced weed biomass by a rate between 81% and 96% compared to mulching, mowing, pelargonic acid and the untreated control, and, in-line with glyphosate, resulted in the lowest Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and weed biomass.

Leo de Montaignac, CEO of Weedingtech commented, “We understand that any investment in technology requires credible third-party evidence that shows organisations that they are making the right choice. That’s why we’ve always been keen for independent third parties to trial Foamstream in proper controlled environments. We’re delighted that the team at the Agricultural University of Athens took the time to comprehensively put Foamstream to the test against other methods of weed control and recognised its value. We’d welcome further research by any other interested universities and organisations to carry out further testing of our eco-friendly weed control technology in other settings.”

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No weed out of reach

No weed out of reach: Campey Turf Care Systems latest innovation, the AIR Trolly Pack from Dutch manufacturer WeedControl BV brings the hardest to access weeds into reach.

The Honda GX120 motor with compressor powers the LPG/propane 3x15kw hot-air burner head with an adjustable operating temperature between 190°C – 290°C. The small footprint of the trolley and burner means it can easily access hard to reach areas such as around poles, along walls and road edges, under street furniture and in narrow street passages and alleys where weeds consistently grow. The AIR Trolly Pack is also ideal for inner-city areas and the after-treatment of larger weed removal projects.

No weed out of reach

No weed out of reach

Flame weeding is a very effective and environmentally friendly way to remove weeds against alternative methods such as potentially harmful herbicides. Most annual and some perennial weeds can be eradicated using a flame that essentially explodes the weeds’ cells, turning them into ash. This ash then mixes with the soil or disperses with no harm to other plants while there is no risk of drift onto other areas, which can be common with chemical applications.

WeedControl has explored all health and safety concerns associated with working with a flame during the development of the product. Special attention was paid to the ease of operation to ensure that any user can safely and easily operate the machine. All WeedControl products are made to meet legal requirements when working in public and private areas and impact the environment as little as possible with a focus on sustainability.

The AIR Trolly Pack can be optionally supplied with a hot-air bin at the front side. This is equipped with a 3x15kW hot-air burner head. For this, the AIR Trolly Pack is modified at the front side for stability.

For more information or a demonstration of the AIR Trolley Pack, contact Campey Turf Care Systems.

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Weed expert praises Roundup ProVantage

Weed expert praises Roundup ProVantage: Ian Adamson from Complete Weed Control has praised the consistently good results he achieves from Roundup ProVantage.

Ian has managed the Tyne & Wear area for almost 20-years. He holds a BASIS certificate in crop protection and is a certificated surveyor in Japanese Knotweed. It is safe to say he knows his weeds and how to treat them.

Weed expert praises Roundup ProVantage

Weed expert praises Roundup ProVantage

“I have used Roundup as a brand for the whole of my career,” he said. “In particular, I have relied on ProVantage for the last three years. I choose this over other brands and products purely because I get such good results.”

As Ian says, Roundup ProVantage – a glyphosate-based herbicide, sets the standards in weed control and is renowned for its top performance. The optimised blend of surfactants as well as the high loading makes Roundup ProVantage the most advanced amenity glyphosate on the market.

Roundup ProVantage offers superior performance – with improved rain-fastness and speed of uptake. Rainfast in just one hour for annuals, this product reduces the risk of run off and ensures the maximum amount of glyphosate reaches the roots for the optimum effectiveness.

The effectiveness of Roundup ProVantage herbicide, and its favourable environmental characteristics, have combined to make it one of the most widely used and trusted herbicides in the world.

“I tend to use it on a variety of sites such as highways, central reservations, verges, pavements and industrial sites,” continued Ian. “Depending on the site and the severity, I would normally look to apply it two or three times with a period of six to eight weeks between each application. This year I am intending to use ProVantage as a convenience tank mix with ICL’s LockStar, this will offer me both knockdown and long-term residual control.

“Throughout the summer we see great results within just a week, but it is also effective in cooler weather” This year, for example, I did a job in February when the temperatures were still very low, and within 3 weeks the Roundup ProVantage had achieved a total kill.

“Another huge benefit of ProVantage is that it is a 480 concentration instead of 360 so there are 25% less packaging materials to dispose of. For me that is a big selling point”

“We will continue to use and promote the use of Roundup ProVantage as it is a premium product and I’m very happy with the results” Ian concludes Roundup ProVantage is distributed in the UK by ICL.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Bury Council’s environmentally friendly weed control

Bury Council’s environmentally friendly weed control: A new ’green’ way of killing weeds with hot water rather than glyphosate has been ordered by Bury Council.

The Multevo Hot Water Weed System uses boiling water rather than traditional herbicides to tackle weeds and can also be used for chemical-free high-pressure cleaning to remove grime, gum, graffiti and general sanitation of street furniture.

Bury Council's environmentally friendly weed control

Bury Council’s environmentally friendly weed control

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Many people have expressed concerns about the council using chemicals to tackle weeds, especially around schools and play areas, and want to see chemical-free alternatives used instead.

“I share their concerns, and have therefore ordered this new vehicle as part of our review into the use of herbicides and pesticides. It will enable us to keep the borough tidier in a much greener way.

“The machine can also be used to remove chewing gum and mosses and algae from surfaces so can also keep our town centres looking nicer.

“This is another part of Bury’s climate change commitment, alongside decarbonising council vehicles as much as possible and reducing energy use.”

Multevo are the sole UK supplier of Waterkracht’s range of hot water weed control equipment who have been manufacturing this type of equipment since the early 1990’s.

The equipment requires absolutely no additives to kill weeds and works by delivering an efficient low-pressure treatment accurately at 98°C to kill the cellular structure of the root using Waterkracht’s Boiling Hot water Technique®.

“We’re really pleased to see yet another council opt for our environmentally friendly weed control solution and wish them every success. We understand the pressures some councils are facing when it comes to chemicals and are confident that we can provide them with a cost effective and sustainable solution which will still provide productive outputs.” – Josh Sweeney, Director of Marketing & Growth.

Having recently hosted a successful live virtual demonstration of the equipment, Multevo are inviting those organisations looking to minimise the use of chemicals to get in touch to discuss trial hire or demo opportunities.

info@multevo.co.uk | 01254 703 212 | www.multevo.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/multevoltd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/multevo

Twitter: @Multevo

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Multevo to host sustainable weed control virtual demo

Multevo to host sustainable weed control virtual demo: Looking to reduce your dependence on conventional chemical weed killers? Learn how to kill weeds with nothing but hot water using Multevo’s innovative equipment in their first ever live virtual demonstration.

Multevo are inviting organisations who are looking to stop or limit the use of chemical spraying to join the live webinar which will provide guidance on how hot water weed control methods can be implemented and outline the benefits customers have achieved.

Multevo to host sustainable weed control virtual demo

Multevo to host sustainable weed control virtual demo

Multevo currently have five models in the range which all use Waterkracht’s Boiling Hot water Technique® to provide an effective and environmentally friendly solution to weed control. The water is delivered at a low pressure consistently at 98 degrees to kill the root completely.

Hot water weed control is the most efficient and most sustainable way to treat weeds and all machines are multi-purpose to add value all-year-round. For example, the high-pressure lance can be utilised for chewing gum removal, cleansing of street furniture as well as graffiti increasing your return on investment.

Multevo are the UK market leader for hot water weed control having launched the product in 2015 and the seminar will share customer success stories as well as feature a live virtual demonstration of the equipment.

The event will take place on Wednesday the 17th of March between 11:00am – 12:00pm and will feature a walkaround of the equipment, the operational advantages, footage of its capabilities finished up with a live Q&A session.

Josh Sweeney, Director of Marketing and Growth said: “We’re extremely excited to share this innovative equipment to the market virtually. We have reduced the amount of in-person demonstrations due to COVID-19 but there is clearly an appetite for chemical-free weed control in the UK, more than ever, so we wanted to try something different to showcase a proven method that is tried and tested in Europe.”

Register for the event here: https://multevo.clickmeeting.com/hot-water-weed-control-virtual-demo/register

You can find more information at www.hotwaterweedcontrol.co.uk or call 01254 703212 as well as email info@multevo.co.uk

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LockStar essential for weed control

LockStar essential for weed control: Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) has claimed that ICL’s residual herbicide, LockStar, has become an essential product in his armoury.

Since its launch last year, LockStar has been well received in the turf and landscaping sector. It arrived at a time when public green spaces, amenity areas and transportation infrastructure were coming under increasing pressure from reduced budgets, weed infestations and a reduction in chemical solutions available on the market. This new herbicide, which controls a broad spectrum of weeds, has been keeping areas such as these weed-free, functional and visually pleasing.

LockStar essential for weed control

LockStar essential for weed control

Alan has been using LockStar throughout the past season and has reported some hugely encouraging results.

“I’ve found it to be excellent and the longevity is fantastic,” he said. “It has been effective on all fronts for up to five months with just one application.”

When applied before germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier at the soil surface ensuring that soil is kept weed-free for up to five months. The innovative formula contains diflufenican and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium – which is the first new weed control active ingredient to be released in the UK for many years.

When applied pre-germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier on the soil surface preventing weed growth and establishment. To control weeds that are already present, it can be tank-mixed with glyphosate or a ‘fatty acid’.

“For those weeds that are already present, I have tank mixed LockStar with both glyphosate and another herbicide,” said Alan. “I’ve applied them at half rate and again, the results have been fantastic.”

Alan claims that the product has been a huge hit with local authorities and councils especially when it comes to the treatment of areas that need strimming frequently.

“We have applied LockStar to many fence lines, wall lines, tree bases – areas that need strimming at least once every three or four weeks,” continued Alan. “With LockStar applied to these areas, they don’t require to be strimmed at all, which saves our grounds teams a lot of time.”

ICL recently announced an update to the UK label of LockStar, which provided users with more effective and flexible weed control. The label update included extended use of the product meaning it can now be applied at any time of year instead of the previous limited window between February and June.

It was most welcome news to contractors and grounds managers as it gave them the opportunity to adapt their approach and give them greater control over weed growth. Alan agreed.

“It is great that LockStar was given these new permissions as it provides us with a lot more flexibility,” he said. “It is now a very important product in my armoury. I explain to customers about its strengths and how it provides them with more protection against weeds which in turn gives my customers confidence too.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Safe and effective weed control

Safe and effective weed control: Adam Pilgrim from ANP Services Spalding Ltd, has long relied on Roundup ProActive from ProGreen claiming that it offers several benefits to both the contractor and the customer.

Roundup ProActive is a highly active glyphosate formulation which provides total broad spectrum weed control. Its advanced technology has secured the herbicide as a market leader and is the choice of many professionals across the UK.

Safe and effective weed control

Safe and effective weed control

Adam, from ANP Services Spalding Ltd, a company working in garden and grounds maintenance, have been using Roundup ProActive for the last seven years in a wide range of areas.

“We have been using Roundup since 2013 across domestic and industrial sectors, everywhere from spot control of problem weeds to broad scale weed control across commercial and industrial sites,” he said.

“We have also used it for cut stump treatment to prevent regrowth of problem small trees and ivy stumps.”

Roundup ProActive uses improved adjuvants to enhance performance and plant up-take. It has also been designed for safe use and has a non-hazardous label.

Further benefits of Roundup ProActive include:

  • Rainfast within 1 hour
  • The widest label fields of use
  • Widest range of tested tank-mixing partners
  • Drift reduction properties
  • Excellent in challenging conditions

“With regards as to why we choose Roundup ProActive, there are a variety of reasons,” continued Adam. “The quick rain fastness of the product makes it an ideal choice for using in tight weather windows. Its recognised position as a market leading, premium product means that it gives commercial clients the confidence that it will be safe and effective.

“Furthermore, the surfactants and water conditioners already added lessen the need to carry additional chemical containers on the vehicle, reducing cost of purchase and eliminating having lots of measuring jugs to wash out. This is especially useful when only a few litres of made up solution may be required for a small-scale site.

“Its variable application rates and speedy effectiveness, even at lower dosage rates means that it is both cost effective for the contractor and environmentally responsible for the client.

“We have used adjuvants previously to improve the herbicide uptake such as Speedway Total and Mixture B, especially on difficult to control weeds such as rosebay willow herb and ivy. These can provide a noticeable difference in the ‘stickability’ of the product to more difficult to penetrate leaves.”

Roundup ProActive is distributed in the UK by ICL.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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