Some brambles that colonize a slope, some nettles at the base of a hedge, chemical thistles that keep regrowing: these weeds tough ones resist most conventional weedings. The Garlon has become a reference for getting rid of it, acting as a selective brush cutter that targets woody vegetation while sparing lawn installed.
This article explains how Garlon acts on brambles, the nettles and the thistles, why it is said selective, how to use it, what precautions to take, and what alternatives exist.
What is Garlon and how does it work?
The Garlon GS is a selective herbicide based on fluroxypyr, designed for lawn and the garden. Its particularity: it targets plants broad-leaved, the dicotyledons, such as brambles, the nettles, the thistles and bindweeds, while preserving grasses of lawn when used properly.
That is why it is often described as a brush cutter : it attacks the vegetation woody and tough that ordinary herbicides allow to regrow, where a simple herbicide herbaceous fails. But unlike a total brush cutter, the Garlon remains selective and does not eliminate lawn neither established nor grasses forage. Its action is systemic : the product penetrates through the leaves and circulates throughout the plant, down to the roots, for deep and lasting control.
You can find the product and its formats on the Garlon brush cutter.
Effectiveness of Garlon against blackberries, nettles, and thistles
The strength of Garlon is due to its effectiveness on the weeds the most difficult, those that discourage weed control manual.
- Blackberries : their network of stems and roots regrows from any fragment left in the soil. The systemic action of Garlon penetrates down to the roots to limit regrowth.
- Nettles : invasive at the base of hedges and along edges, they are well controlled by fluroxypyr.
- Thistles : their deep roots make them tough, but a well-conducted treatment on plants in full growth gives good results.
- Bindweed and others plants broad-leaved climbing plants are also within its range of action.
On the lawn established, these weeds disappear gradually, while the grasses of the lawn remain in place. This is the whole point of a selective herbicide compared to a total product that would destroy everything.
On which areas should Garlon be used?
The Garlon is not limited to lawn. It is used on many areas of garden invaded by brambles, nettles and thistles.
- Established lawns and turf, to eliminate the weeds broad-leaved without damaging the grasses.
- Slopes, fence edges, paths, and fallow areas, where the vegetation woody, the bushes and the brambles are established.
- Borders, shrub beds, and hedge edges, respecting precautions near the shrubs to be stored.
For small areas, the size 500 ml is sufficient. For large areas or regular use, the size 3L is more economical.
Instructions: how to use Garlon effectively
For a effective and selective, application must be careful. Here are the right steps.
Dilute Garlon according to label recommendations, without overdosing. Apply on actively growing weeds, in mild and dry weather, when brambles, nettles and thistles actively growing and absorb the product well through their leaves. Avoid wind to limit drift towards plants to protect, and do not treat if rain is forecast within the next few hours. Let it act : the systemic action causes yellowing then wilting of the plant over one to three weeks depending on weather and vegetation.
A tip: do not brush cut just before treating, because the plant needs its foliage to absorb the product. Brush cutting is done once the cover plant dried out. And on an area you plan to cultivate or put in harvest, strictly respect the waiting times indicated on the label before any new planting, the time for the plant residue degrades.
Advantages and limits of the selective brush cutter Garlon
Here is an honest assessment to position the product.
Its advantages :
- a effectiveness recognized on brambles, nettles, thistles and other weeds tough,
- an action selective which preserves the lawn and the grasses,
- an action systemic down to the roots, which limits regrowth,
- two sizes, 500 ml and 3L, for small ones like large areas.
Its limits:
- it acts on plants broadleaf, not on grasses undesirable,
- near shrubs and hedges to be stored, it requires caution,
- like any herbicide synthetic, it requires precautions and regulation strict.
If you hesitate between this targeted product and an herbicide that destroys everything, our guide selective or total herbicide helps you choose according to your situation.
Usage precautions and regulations
The Garlon remains a herbicide powerful, to be handled with care.
- Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing during preparation and application.
- Keep the product out of reach children and animals, and away from lawn treated until dry.
- Do not treat the vegetable garden nor near the crops.
- Read the label carefully and the safety data sheet before any use.
Keep in mind the legal framework: in France, the sale and use of herbicides synthetic are strictly regulated and reserved for authorized usersRespect the regulation in force.
Ecological alternatives to eliminate brambles
chemical products To reduce the use of, chemical alternatives exist against brambles stubborn, with variable results.
Thepulling out mechanical and repeated cutting with a brush cutter gradually exhausts brambles, but require patience and several treatments, as roots regrow. The mulching a fallow area deprives vegetation of light for several months. The white vinegar or boiling water burns foliage on the surface without reaching the deep roots of brambles and thistles. These natural methods are suitable for small areas but remain less durable than a systemic herbicide on well-established vegetation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Garlon act on brambles and thistles?
Thanks to fluroxypyr, it penetrates through leaves and moves down to the roots of plants broadleaf, which destroys brambles and thistles deeply while sparing lawn.
Does Garlon damage the lawn?
No, when used correctly, it is a selective herbicide : it targets weeds broadleaf and preserves grasses of lawn established.
On which areas can it be used?
On lawns, slopes, borders, paths, fallow areas and edges of hedges, respecting precautions near shrubs to keep.
What precautions should be taken?
Wear gloves and protection, treat in calm and dry weather, keep children and animals away, and respect the regulation local regulation on phytopharmaceutical products.
Are there ecological alternatives?
Yes: pulling out, repeated cutting, mulching, white vinegar or boiling water. They are gentler but less durable on brambles well established.
The Garlon therefore establishes itself as a selective brush cutter benchmark against brambles, the nettles and the thistles : it eliminates vegetation woody and the woody bushes tough while preserving the lawn and the grasses, where a total product would destroy everything. Properly applied, on plants growing and respecting precautions, it offers a weed control sustainable in the most difficult areas of gardenTo discover the product and its formats, visit the product page of Garlon brush cutter.
