A Quick Guide To Weed Control With A RED DRAGON
Torch. Get There Early!
Flaming is a great
way to eliminate weeds in rock gardens!
When flame weeding, the most effective method
is to catch weeds early, from 1-4 inches. At this small stage, flaming
is nearly 100% effective, whereas weeds over 4 inches are more difficult
to kill without an extended dose of heat.
By destroying cell structure in the plant leaf, the weed will no
longer put energy toward growth, so even on big weeds, you will
see a stunting effect or even a kill, depending on how established
the root system is and how long the plant was exposed to heat.
On smaller weeds a slow walk is usually the best pace - just a split
second of heat should kill unwanted weeds and grasses - you don't
need to burn them to a crisp. By nature, some grasses will return
following a flaming. Repeat applications, however, will usually
do the trick. For best results, increase exposure to the heat if
weeds are wet from dew. Water on the leaves acts as insulation and
decreases cell damage unless exposure time is increased.
It is important to remember when flaming in and around desireable
plants that heating those leaves can cause damage as well, so be
careful around flowers and shrubs - particularly evergreens.
Conifers are very flammable and should be avoided. Poison ivy, oak
or any poisonous plant should be avoided also- the smoke from flamed
leaves will cause a rash to your skin, eyes and lungs!
What's the best advice we can give you? If
in doubt, don't. Always allow a safe distance between the flame
and desireable plants, shrubs and trees. Always keep a fire extinguisher
and water supply close in case of an emergency. |
A quick pass with the torch and you'll
see weeds wilt and die.
A thumb print on the weed leaf indicates
success.
Shortly after flaming the weed turns a
dark green and shows stress and wilting.
Days later, weed decay is obvious.
|