Brushwood Killer

Brushwood Killer

Brushwood killer exists because ordinary weedkiller does not work on woody growth. A lawn or path weedkiller is formulated for soft green foliage, and brambles, briars, nettles, gorse, ivy and self-seeded saplings have tough waxy stems that shed it. A brushwood formulation penetrates that growth and travels down into the root system, which is the part that matters, since anything cut or sprayed only on top will regrow from the root within a season. Tree stump and root killer takes the same principle further, applied directly to a freshly cut stump so it is drawn down into the root plate rather than sprayed over foliage. Timing decides the result more than the product. Apply when the plant is actively growing and in full leaf, because that is when sap is moving downward and will carry the chemical to the roots; treating dormant winter growth achieves very little. Cut back the worst of the bulk first if it is impenetrable, then treat the regrowth once it has leafed up again. Container size should follow area: 250ml for a fence line or a corner, 500ml for a section of overgrown garden, 1 litre for genuine land clearance. These are selective products that will damage grass and garden plants they contact, so shield anything you intend to keep, and always read the label.

Vitax supplies the SBK brushwood weedkiller, the mainstay of this range, in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre. Roundup covers the cut-stump job with a tree stump and root killer at 250ml. For soft green weeds and paths see Weed Killer, for moss and algae Algae & Moss Remover, for hard surfaces Patio Cleaner, and for plant protection Plant Shield.