Eradicating blackthorn

Field east

Have parts of a ditch where blackthorn has encroched , by suckers, into the field by up to 8 yards in parts. Would appreciate any advice from people who have successfully carried out such eradication. Is there a cheap way which might be successful but might take a few years. A labour intensive way would not be an issue .

Limestone Cowboy

Field east wrote: »

Have parts of a ditch where blackthorn has encroched , by suckers, into the field by up to 8 yards in parts. Would appreciate any advice from people who have successfully carried out such eradication. Is there a cheap way which might be successful but might take a few years. A labour intensive way would not be an issue .

Cut them with a chainsaw or strimmer and treat the stumps with roundup mixed at 4:1.

KatyMac

I have same problem - go around whenever I've nothing much to do with a pair of big snips (for pruning trees etc). Collect the stuff I cut and shove into the ditch and later in the year a couple of runs on the new growth with a topper or mower. It just about keeps them in check but if I miss a year with the topper they soon come back. I don't like using weedkiller very much.

Track9

Suggest broadcast heavily with coarse salt ( can buy in big bags for de icing , circa 8/9 e per bag ) then cover with black silage cover min one yr .