Rhododendron and Ecoplug Max use

[tomcorke]

Hello

 

I am looking in to the possibility of using Ecoplugs on standing Rhododndron.

 

I would drill in to the side of the stump and insert plug, Ecoplugs website says they are better used from the side, so thats good

 

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with using Ecoplugs this way and if so, what time of year, how many, size of stump and so on.

 

Thanks for your help

 

Tom

[departed]

Not used the eco plugs but we do a lot of rhododendron control, stem inject being our main method.

Using a 50% mix of glyphosate it's extremely effective at killing the plant.

Ecoplugs are pretty expensive compared to stem inject.

 

Sion

[roys]

I am with departed here, I drill a 10mm hole about 25 to 35 mm deep, and get the gp into it, I use a fairly liquid bottle for putting the gp in.

[departed]

We use the small 4/5litre sprayers but obviously don't pump too much!

Used to use a 20% mix but found it gave patchy results, every plant dies with the 50% mix.

If you get small regen then just snap it half way up the stem and apply the glyph to the break, works really well.

 

Sion

[tomcorke]

Hi

 

Thanks for all the comments

 

I had looked at stem injection but don't know why I ruled it out.

 

Do you do it at a particular time of year or just whenever?

 

Thanks

 

Tom

[openspaceman]

Ecoplugs are pretty expensive compared to stem inject.

 

Sion

 

I agree and if you wittle a wooden plug no plastic litter either

[josharb87]

Eco plugs are very "clean" to use.

 

No innocent looking fairy liquid bottles with deadly poison in, for example

 

I use eco plugs on stumps. very effective, even at lower quantities than recommended.

 

the correct drill bit with the depth thing is a must imo

[Stoke Wood Project]

My understanding is that the glyphosate needs to be translocated via the cambium. We cut down to stumps, then spray a 20% solution straight on to the freshly cut surface. It doesn't need to be completely covered with spray, as long as the cambium is well covered, saves a decent quantity of chemical. We use a blue dye as well, really helps.

[departed]

Tom- We tend to do stock fencing during the winter and rhodi's the rest of the year. I would've thought that as long as it's not frozen then anytime of the year would be fine.

 

Josharb- I guess it depends on how big the job is, we treat/clear hectares of dense rhodi's and have a lot of competition so every penny counts.

 

Sion