- Location
- South shropshire
Thistle control old style
- Thread starter Henery
- Start date
- Location
- Montgomeryshire
I was thinking about a wee spade/spud like that too, strangely enough also for a young Field Options ley. Anyone any recommendations where to get one, or is it just a narrow garden spade?
- Location
- East Sussex
Nice little job when you've not got much else on. Just one comment though, looks like more of a chop than a dig and pull. Wondering if they'll grow back?
- Location
- East Sussex
I have just come in from two hours of digging up what we call Gore thistles out of a new ley.
I am concerned that the OP has not gout out the Tap root as this will sprout a new plant unless dug up.
I use a shallow V shaped prong with a semi circular rocker and a bar across it. You push or tread it in until you get the Tap root and lever it over and usually the whole thing comes out.
I keep it with me all the time and it is amazing how many acres I can keep clear.
I am concerned that the OP has not gout out the Tap root as this will sprout a new plant unless dug up.
I use a shallow V shaped prong with a semi circular rocker and a bar across it. You push or tread it in until you get the Tap root and lever it over and usually the whole thing comes out.
I keep it with me all the time and it is amazing how many acres I can keep clear.
- Location
- Acton Scott, South Shropshire
- Location
- Scottish Highlands
I think that is a planting spade, probably made by Bulldog. Yes, they are very handy. Strong and well made.
- Location
- America's dairyland
I was told, if you cut them off like that, cover the cut with salt to keep from growing back. Can't confirm or deny.
spin cycle
Member
- Location
- north norfolk
i'm thinking just a handful of salt in the centre might do the job
- Location
- Bedfordshire
I’ve got one of these, nice and light
Bulldog Treaded Tree Planting Spear 28
Bulldog Treaded Tree Planting Spear 28
bulldoghandtools.co.uk
backsprayer and a quick blast with mcpa would be quicker and easier especially for the older more tired guys 
ollie989898
Member
backsprayer and a quick blast with mcpa would be quicker and easier especially for the older more tired guys
Use grazon pro for spot spraying. Also use the marker dye so you can see where you have been.
ollie989898
Member
Spear & Jackson Trench Head Newcastle 16" Drainer - Screwfix
Order online at Screwfix.com. Strong, lightweight, all-steel contractor shovel with high tensile steel shaft. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.
mcpa is a lot cheaper and in their second yr it will kill them.
- Location
- Essex
MCPA cheaper and very effective on spear thistles.
ollie989898
Member
We're talking about spot spraying though, the cost of the chemical is 5/8ths of fudge all. I'm not sure MCPA is cleared for knapsack work, either. Thrust probably is.
an adapted /modified fork is better than a spade because it doesn't cut if you get it in the wrong place /easir to stab in on harder ground
Last edited:
- Location
- Essex
Pretty sure it's ok for knapsack?
ollie989898
Member
I'm not sure, only a small number of products are cleared for knapsack use as they have a much more rigorous testing regime for anything applied in this way.
- Location
- Essex
I seem to remember that grazon isn't licensed for knapsack.
- Location
- The North
you got any pictures, was going to make something, ive been getting alot out with my boot end if they are tall enough go can rive the root out as you describe but a tool would be much easier!