Clearing brambles - advice please!

Ferris · « **on:** January 17, 2009, 18:21 »

Just got back from a back-nreaking day at my plot. Unfortunately I inherited a lovely thicket of brambles which have now all been cut down and ready to burn - just the roots to deal with now. I know there is probably only one answer to this, but just to check - is there any way of getting rid of the roots other than literallg going through the soil with a toothcomb? I've started digging out the main root balls but there is a huge network of little spindly roots breaking off and I was kind of hoping there may be a "miracle cure" other than lots of radox and gin afterwards!

beansticks · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2009, 18:41 »

Unfortunately there is no miracle cure,only a spade/fork and back-ache.Best of luck

Trillium · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2009, 18:46 »

Agree with beansticks...you must pull out what you can of the main roots or they'll simply grow again. Glyphosphates won't work at the moment as you need actively growing leaves for it to work and it takes ages to reach the roots of shrubs. Later when the tiny young brambles start popping up from leftover root bits, they'll be easy to pop out and simply keep on top of it and you'll soon be totally rid of them.

AdsaM · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2009, 19:34 »

Hi Ferris,

I've been forking an area of Brambles since October and my roots run just below ground all over the place.

The ground hasn't been touched for over 25 years so you can imagine how well established the blighters have got.

I'm slowly getting there and my prediction to complete the whole area will be around the beginning of april....Just in time for planting veg

i'm about half way through it, the area is approx 30 feet square.

It's very satisfying to look back after a weekend to see the what i have done so please...don't get disheartened it will be worhwhile in the end.

Just think of the lovely veg coming out of there after all the hard work.

DD. · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2009, 19:36 »

Many on this site faced with that problem have reported that a mattock/azada have worked best.

AdsaM · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2009, 19:44 »

I chopped all mine down with a petrol brush cutter just prior to forking the area. Leaving about 6 inches of stump so i can see where they are.

Hi DD

Had a phonecall from Brookside about my seed tat order the other day.

Just waiting for Roosters to come in and will be collecting them all on 26th Jan.

sawnee · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2009, 19:47 »

Good old fashioned hardwork, blisters and backache, but it makes the veggies taste all the better

Stick with it, there is no easy answer but theres no rush either

sawnee · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2009, 19:49 »

I did the same as AsdaM, just keep your eyes open as these stumps are just waiting to trip you up

Ice · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2009, 19:57 »

I got the butler to get rid of my brambles.

Sorry, have to agree that the only answer is blood sweat and tears. But think of the sense of achievement you will get when it's done.

AdsaM · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2009, 19:59 »

Can i borrow your Butler Ice. ?

Ice · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2009, 20:05 »

Quote from: "AdsaM"

Can i borrow your Butler Ice. ?

Of course you can. All he needs is bread, water and some straw to sleep on. Well at least that's what I pay him.

sawnee · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2009, 20:06 »

Quote from: "AdsaM"

Can i borrow your Butler Ice. ?

Me too

Ice · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2009, 20:09 »

Sorry, I need him back he's got the new swimming pool to dig out and I bought him a new spade to do it with today.

shaun · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2009, 20:15 »

a mini digger is the best tool

Ice · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2009, 20:20 »

Quote from: "shaun"

a mini digger is the best tool

As my butler is only five foot two that's exactly what I've got.

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Clearing brambles - advice please!

beansticks

Trillium