On 14/12/2013 19:01, Janet wrote:
In article , lid
says...

On 14/12/2013 13:16, Janet wrote:
In article ,
says...

I have a strong holly hedge, I like it as it does not need pruning very
often. However over the last couple of years other plants, notably
hawthorn,have started to colonise it. This needs trimming frequently.
apart from long, arduous and painfully removing these from the base by
hand is there any other way to remove them? Would wrapping the
protruding stems in sponge soaked in weed killer then covered with a
polythene bag have any chance of working?

Not IMO . I'd sever the stems 6" from ground level using longhandled
loppers, then immediately paint or dribble the raw cut surface of the
root end with tree stump killer (from GC), you may need a long spout on
a dedicated watering can, or rig something up with a large milk carton
and hose) . Then fix a plastic bag over each stump (with cable tie) so
the rain won't wash the stuff off before it does the job.

The plants above the cuts will just die anyway so can be left in
place, the holly will soon hide their bare dead stems.

Janet.

I doubt that any systemic weedkiller will have any effect this time of
year. I'd wait until the hawthorn buds show signs of breaking next spring.


http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/...d=229#section4

"The best time to apply stump killers is from autumn to winter. Avoid
treatment in spring and early summer when the sap is rising "

Janet.

If you do use a brushwood killer or anything of that ilk just be very
careful that you don't take out your holly as well.
If you can get at the stems than do as you thought, when they are in
leaf then sleeve them in polythene.
Put on a rubber glove then a woollen one over it, dip it into a mix of
brushwood killer and wipe your hand over the enclosed stems.
do it in the evening when there is no sun on the material you are dosing.
You can use this method for bindweed and other things that you want to
treat individually
David @ a wet and windy side of Swansea Bay.