First Steps Towards Integrated Weed Management

At Kersten UK we have been approached by a large contractor in The South East of England. Who have been tasked by the local council to reduce their herbicide usage, while still maintaining the same area, with the same outcome.

Initially this area was maintained with spraying of herbicide and the use of road sweepers. This was evident on arrival to the demo area, with a chemically sprayed edge to all grass areas that had encroached onto paths. No litter, but detritus build up and weeds growing in curb edges and back lines.  

The first steps the local council have taken is to reduce the number of herbicide sprays per year. They were already below the recommendations of the contractor and their supplier. The further reduction to one single spray per year, combined with the hard manual labor of using hand tools as the alternative process, has led to the contractor needing to address their approach, from top to bottom. 

The Aim of the contractor is to; 

1. Meet the council's needs.
2. Regain productivity and improve on current outcome.
3. Restore morale to their work force by improving working conditions. 

We arrived at the demo site, my colleague Trevor with a range of Kersten two wheeled tractors with weed brushes and sweepers on board. While I came armed with thermal treatments; Hot Water, Hot Air and Electricity. 

After an assessment of the area with the team leader who had contacted us, and a brief overview of the equipment, it was time to back our words up with live demonstrations.

The capabilities of the weed brushes, spoke for themselves; removing soil, detritus and weeds faster and more effectively than manual labor, and deeper and more comprehensively than a road sweeper. To a point that so much material was removed a road sweeper was hastily arranged to clear up behind. 

Trevor used a UBS power unit with Weedbrush for the curb edges and gullies as well as restoring an edge to the path where grass had encroached nearly 12 inches. Then a Weedo II for the tighter, more intricate areas.  

Showing the amount of build up in these areas while eye opening, was expected on this occasion, since their switch to hand tools. The real wow factor was the time saving. The efficacy and man hours to be gained is unrivaled.

With a view of showing the next steps of an integrated approach, we treated designated areas with our range of thermal treatments. The curb edge where cars were parked was the perfect opportunity to show the versatility and ease of use of the Eco Weed Killer - Pro 10 hot water machine. Safe and easy to use in and around parked cars killing the weeds with the heat of the water while remaining residue and additive free. 

To offer the customer a visual comparison of results, we treated the top of the same curb adjacent to the path with the Zasso - Zap Weeder. While it has the capacity to use 10,000 V of electricity, the on board computer only uses what is needed to kill the weed. Which had already taken effect before we had left site. Finally we used the Ripagreen - Mobility Kit around sign posts and benches.   

The next stage of this particular case is still ongoing and remains an exciting opportunity. The contractor now has the confidence the council's needs can be met and exceeded.

Your journey away from chemical/herbicide usage does not have to be immediate, unplanned or a daunting prospect. Having the correct approach and the correct tools for the job is key to a successful and sustainable transition. Start by taking our Integrated Weed Management Assessment or get in touch for an on site assessment/demo.