Big Bully Plants_I want them gone

21 years ago

I posted this in the Landscaping forum and then thought it might get better feedback here:

Once upon a time my landscape was a good design. Then these evil fairies cursed it with terrible plant selection.It has turned into a jungle of huge repetitive shrubs and rampant vines that are completely out of control. I'm losing the will to maintain it. I finally admitted to myself what a disaster I've created and that what I really want is a clean slate, -but I would settle for the fenceline and foundation beds being clear. The thugs in question include Pittosporum, Escallonia, Hall's honesuckle, some misc mildewy rambling roses, and of course the ever present and thoroughly evil Himalayan blackberry.

My secret plan is to march down to the local Kmart, pull out my checkbook and buy a big spray kit of Roundup, and a big roll of black plastic. then I will proceed to cut down the noxious vegetation bit by bit, spraying and covering the stumps and/or bare ground as I go. I have cats and chickens that I don't want into the sprayed areas, hence the need to cover.

Now that you've read this does anyone have a better idea for cheaply removing an overgrown landscape? (I have already thought of dynamite and I don't have a source)

Thanks, Z

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Comments (4)

gabehart
21 years ago
Maybe post the plans you want to get rid of on your local freecycle or contact a local gardening club? There may even be some people in the California Forum that are close to you and would remove the plants.
Many of those types of places will remove for you and it makes a person who couldn't afford to buy the plant very happy. If I was closer I'd be over in a minute.
taupe79
21 years ago
Agreed- freecycle is the coolest. People will come help you tear stuff out so that they can have it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Freecycle groups in California
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aka_peggy
21 years ago
Zandra, it would probably take a lot of RU to kill off your overgrown vegetation. I'm trying to envision this jungle.

If you're gonna use RU, maybe you should 1st start by weedwhacking everything to the ground. From there, try and pull or dig out what you can. When the plants start to put on some new growth, then spray or paint surfaces with the RU. (Use straight RU for painting)

DON'T use the ready mixed RU, it's not economical for what you're talking about. Instead go with the "super concentrate". You'll also need a decent pump sprayer. Mix according to directions...more IS NOT better. Oh...and add a surfactant to the RU mix so it adheres better to the leaves. If you don't have a surfactant, just add a few drops of dish soap. Be careful of drift.

I don't think that one spraying of RU will kill everything. It might not kill the stumps at all.

If you can keep the cats inside and cage the chickens for a few hours, you'll eliminate the need for black plastic. Just wait until the foliage is thoroughly dry and it should be reasonably safe for pets or chickens.

Monsanto, the makers of Round-up, has a toll free number on the bottle. Don't hesitate to call and ask them questions. The # is; 800.246.7219.

And good luck~
zandra
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for both suggestions. I'll look at the freecycle site, it sounds really interesting. Thanks Peggy for the tips on how to use Roundup, I haven't bought it yet but if/when I do I'm sure those tips will help me get the most out of it.

What about just cutting the stuff down and covering it with black plastic for a couple months, and not spraying it at all?; I don't get much intense sun here, but mid-to late summer is the driest sunniest time so if I'm going to try it now would be a good time to start.