WEED CONTROL
Foamstream helping to drive the rise in UK Councils going chemical-free
s tighter controls come into force on the
A use of Glyphosate-based products around Europe , it is perhaps unsurprising that a recent study has found increasing numbers of councils in the UK have voluntarily turned to chemical-free weed control solutions . One of the driving factors for this could be the improvement in the effectiveness of non-herbicidal methods available , with Foamstream from Weedingtech proven to deliver vegetation control comparable to that of Glyphosate in independent trials .
Effective from 1st July , rules regarding the application of Glyphosate have been extended in France – banning its use not just in municipality settings , but now in all public and private areas including residential properties . However , despite its known toxicity and negative impact on both the operator and environment , its use is still permitted in all situations in the UK .
The good news is that recent reports published in The Guardian demonstrate that the number of councils , from parish to county level , turning to natural alternatives is on the rise – with an estimated 80 councils around the UK now proudly chemical-free . “ This rise is brilliant news and indicates the increasing concern that councils and the wider public now have about Glyphosate ” comments Thomas Hamilton , Co-Founder of Weedingtech . “ But for this positive growth to continue , Councils needs to be assured that the non-chemical alternatives available are effective and viable – from both a commercial and financial perspective .”
Since its launch in 2011 , Foamstream has proved a successful solution to users from all corners of grounds and green space management . The active ingredient is hot water , insulated
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As well as killing the plant , Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores , preventing future weed growth and resulting in half the number of treatment cycles required when compared to other non-chemical options .
by a biodegradable , organic foam derived from natural plant oils and sugars which keeps the water in the ‘ kill zone ’ of 57oC and above for longer . As well as killing the plant , Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores , preventing future weed growth and resulting in half the number of treatment cycles required when compared to other non-chemical options .
In four separate trials conducted by the University of Athens , the overall efficacy of hot foam used to treat a wide range of broadleaf weeds - including species that can be difficult to control by conventional methods - was found to be comparable to that of glyphosate . It was concluded that Foamstream provided an environmentally friendly and effective alternative , outperforming other non-chemical methods which only provided a moderate level of weed control .
One of the many councils now using Foamstream is Glastonbury Town Council , having previously used traditional herbicides to treat spaces in the town centre , residential areas and school perimeters . “ A lot of our residents , myself included , are concerned at the use of chemical herbicides around the places where our children play ” explains Councillor Emma George . “ One of the greatest things about Foamstream is its complete non-toxicity , backed up by its Soil Association stamp of approval , and its viability on all types of weeds and all types of surfaces .”
For more information , visit www . weedingtech . com
GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | March / April 2023 61