[francesd]

Hi All,

My first post and I'd like to ask about flame guns. I have a large garden in Normandy with a wood. As we have been thinning out the trees the brambles have taken over to the point where I can't possibly keep on top of them.  Has anyone used a flame gun on brambles succesfully?  I know it won't get rid of them first go, but I was hoping that continually firing them would weaken their structure eventually. Its too large an area to use round up etc, even if I wanted to.
Any advice welcome.

Frances

[Yorkie]

Welcome to the site francesd 

I'm guessing that nobody has done what you're suggesting, otherwise you'd have had some answers to your question.

Only you can tell whether burning the brambles will create a fire risk which could get out of control, but I see no reason in principle why it shouldn't work.  It is unlikely to kill off the roots, and I'm not sure how well live shoots will burn, though.

The only thing about flame guns / burning is that it will kill off the soil bacteria, beneficial or otherwise.

Good luck with the project 

[robbodaveuk]

I have a flame gun and have used it on weeds, unfortunately the perrenials will just keep bouncing back and the only thing I use it on now are the annuals when they are small seedlings. Oh and any neighbours kids when they stray into my garden .

  Robbo.

[pushrod]

I'm afraid the only reliable way is too dig them out. One of THESE (a mattock)makes it a lot easier 

[Cavolo Nero]

I'm afraid the only reliable way is too dig them out. One of THESE (a mattock)makes it a lot easier 

Mattock for the win! Its a good stress buster and you'll even develop some serious
muscle into the bargain!