How to deal with cow parsnip on the site

What is dangerous hogweed

There are dozens of species of hogweed, and among them there are both dangerous and harmless. For example, Siberian hogweed often comes across in the forest - a harmless plant with yellow-green umbels-flowers. It does not harm humans and is not considered an active weed.

But another common species - Sosnovsky's cow parsnip - is very aggressive. It grows quite quickly, crowding out other crops, and in a short time can turn the site into dense thickets up to 3 m high. The weed is easily identified by large white umbrella flowers.

Everything would be fine, but the main danger hogweed lies in its ability to harm health. The fact is that in the juice of a plant

contained furanocoumarins. These compounds deprive the skin of UV protection. As a result, after contact with cow parsnip, serious burns and blisters may appear on the face and body, and if it gets on the mucous membrane of the eye, the juice can cause blindness. You can learn more about the dangers of hogweed from this article.

What you need to remember when fighting hogweed

• If Sosnovsky's cow parsnip has settled on your site, it must be destroyed one way or another. Failure to act may result in administrative punishment. Corresponding laws are in different regions.
• Hogweed is a biennial plant that reproduces by seeds. Therefore, if a flowering weed flaunts on your site, tune in in advance that it will most likely not be possible to completely destroy it in one season. The seeds will overwinter in the soil and germinate the next year. If you do not let the bushes bloom again, the chances of defeating the malicious weed will be as great as possible.
• Destroy the hogweed not only on your site, but also in the vicinity - along fence, near the forest, in neighboring abandoned squares. Otherwise, the weed will propagate by seeds, get into your garden and the fight against it will be endless.
• Since hogweed juice causes skin burns when exposed to sunlight, try to destroy the dangerous weed on cloudy days.
• Also, additionally protect the skin and mucous membranes from possible contact with a poisonous plant. Whatever way you choose to fight hogweed, first put on clothes made of dense fabrics that will completely cover your arms, legs and torso. Put on high boots or boots and don't forget about durable rubber gloves. Eyes should be protected with goggles, and even better - wear a mask-shield. After all manipulations with cow parsnip, remove clothes and wash them with a typewriter using powder.

How to deal with cow parsnip with the help of special preparations

The use of chemicals is perhaps the most effective way to deal with hogweed. This option is relevant for both small plots, as well as for impressive areas.

It is best to start processing hogweed in May-June. At this time, the plant is in its initial stage of development, releasing young flowers. The smaller the weed, the easier and faster it is to spray. In addition, in this case, the consumption of the working solution is significantly reduced, which means that the procedure will be more profitable. But if you do not catch the right moment, you can fight with adult plants - herbicides will still be just as effective.

There are many different remedies against hogweed. They are mainly made on the basis of glyphosate (isopropylamine salt), but can be made from other components. Preparations are divided into two types - continuous and selective action. In the first case, the herbicide will kill not only the hogweed, but almost everything that grows around. In the second, the remedy only affects weeds and not harmful to cultivated plants.

The method of preparation of the solution, consumption rates and frequency of treatments depend on the manufacturer and are indicated in the instructions on the package. The principle of action of drugs is similar: you need to carefully spray them leaves and root neck of hogweed. On average, after 2-3 weeks, the pest will begin to turn yellow and dry out. If this does not happen, it is worth repeating the processing according to the instructions. Also, during the season, new weeds from germinated seeds may appear, so periodically inspect the site and spray fresh growth in a timely manner.

If the cow parsnip managed to dissipate, the treatment with chemicals will have to be continued in the next season. Try to start spraying as early as possible when the weed is just starting to develop. So there is every chance to completely exterminate it on the site in two years.

How to get rid of hogweed by mowing

This method will require a lot of effort and patience, especially if the weed has turned into a dense jungle. It is best to start the procedure before flowering (approximately in May-June) and repeat it every 3-4 weeks until the end of the season. It is convenient to fight hogweed with an ordinary scythe or trimmer. At the same time, try to cut the stems as close to the ground as possible. Like any other plant, hogweed receives nutrition through the leaves. If you regularly remove the aerial part, the root system will gradually weaken, which sooner or later will lead to the complete death of the weed.

After mowing, it is best to burn the remains of the hogweed, if they have flowering umbrellas. This will prevent the seeds from spreading.

How to deal with hogweed by digging

For this you will need a sharp shovel. Hogweed roots go into the soil to a depth of about 20 cm, and you should try to dig up each plant entirely. After that, crush the tops and rhizomes with a sharp bayonet of a shovel, dry them in the sun and burn them. Flowering umbrellas are best cut off immediately after digging, collected separately and burned without drying, so as not to give seeds scatter over the area.