This post is sponsored by Progreen weed control solutions
Need to stop tree stump re-growth? The answer…. Ecoplugs
Many vigorous, deciduous trees such as ash, willow, beech, lime, poplar, elm, birch, alder, buddleija can re-grow even after they have been cut down. The root plate, which keeps these trees alive often continues to grow, sending up new shoots or suckers. Sometimes they grow directly from the stump (usually around the outer edge) and sometimes from the roots themselves (Tree of Heaven).
If you are having problems controlling this re-growth, a safe, self-contained plastic capsule called Ecoplug Max is an ideal solution. Containing 300g of glyphosate granules, it is hammered into a hole in the stump and moves, or translocates, to the growing points that are still alive – such as the root.
The nice thing about Ecoplugs is that they can be used all year round and are ideal for areas where animals or children are present. Once used, they cannot be removed by hand, they are also a cleaner, easier alternative to liquid glyphosate or the ‘old fashioned diesel solution’ that is messy and can cause contamination to rivers and streams.
It is important to know that Ecoplugs are used in freshly cut trees as the glyphosate granules are water soluble and so require tree sap to dissolve it and help it move around the tree.
To Use: It’s a really simple control method – using the engineered drill bit, drill a hole at regular intervals around the face or side of the stump into ‘live’ wood and insert the Ecoplug with a good hammer whack - so it cannot be removed by hand.
Ecoplug Max are sold in boxes of 100 and offer tree surgeons, forestry workers and landscapers a safer, cleaner alternative to stump grinding and messy chemicals.
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Replies
The question that really needs answering; does it work on Rhododendron superponticum?!
Hi Ben,
Rhodo' ponticum is an ideal invasive species to use Ecoplugs on - ideally chop off the top growth well below the lowest fork/ branch then drill & hammer into the fresh stump..
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info@progreen.co.uk
How much are they?
their link says £69.99 + vat - http://www.progreen.co.uk/Weed-killers/Tree-Stump-Woody-Weeds/Ecopl...
I can see this as a great time-saving product in certain circumstances. Will the operatives need pesticide tickets to use?
Hi Nathan,
Yes its still classed as a professional herbicide so users must have PA1 & PA6. Current ticket holders are fine but for anyone qualified after Feb 2015 you must do an additional unit - called PA6-D to apply Ecoplugs .......and no, I am not joking.......
I can imagine. Both my brother -in-law and I quickly took the PA1+6/a before christmas because of the amount of changes and splits they're bringing in
Is the D soley for ecoplugs and other similar systems? Does it include stem injection?
Seth,
They are separate as of 1st Feb 2015 - just like ability to spray near water (PA6AW) is an addition to a normal PA6A.
Ecoplugs (Pesticide Plug) and Stem Injectors can be done individually or added on to the normal PA6 - in both cases PA1 is a pre-requisite. They are called PA6-PP (unit155) and PA6-INJ (unit156) respectively.
Its worth managers noting this if they have staff due to undergo NPTC training - but its not great for people new to the industry as they won't even know about Ecoplugs so won't ask to do the 'PP' module at the same time as knapsack training.
this looks like a great product, a very often asked question so now you can do it safely without restorting to copper nails, diesel, rock salt etc
has anyone taken the plunge and used this yet?