Keywords: Weed control--Pacific Northwest, Blackberries, Goats
PAL Question:
I am wondering about an environmentally sensitive way to get rid of blackberries. I understand that mowing them consistently for 4 years works, but unfortunately this is not an option because of the terrain. If an herbicide is our only option, can you recommend one that has minimal impact?
The amount of area is quite large - a mile long and 20 feet wide.
View Answer:
The Nature Conservancy has great information about eliminating blackberry here.
I found the document named Controlling Rubus in the PNW to be especially helpful, as, at the end, it recommends removal techniques for blackberry stands of various sizes and discusses herbicide options.
The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides has fact sheets on herbicides and an archive of other information, click on Publications and Information.
Here is a pdf on blackberry control from NCAP: http://www.pesticide.org/blackberries.pdf
For additional information, phone the Master Gardener's DialExtension (King County) at 206-296-3425 (or 800-325-6165, ext.6-3425) and listen to tape #1274 about removing blackberries. However, the solutions given in this tape may apply to smaller areas, rather than the larger stand you mentioned.
An interesting idea that some people are trying locally is the use of goats.
This article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer mentions Healing Hooves of Spokane. There is at least one company on Vashon Island which offers this service as well. Another P-I article mentions Rent-a-Ruminant.
This directory of Pacific Northwest goat producers includes a few which mention brush control or vegetation management.
This document from Sound Native Plants contains contact information for several such services.
Season
All Season
Date 2008-01-03
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Keywords: Weed control--Pacific Northwest, Rubus discolor, Roadside plants
PAL Question:
I live next to a Washington Department of Transportation I-5 easement land where the department has let blackberries run rampant. As a result, I have thousands of blackberry seedlings in two areas of my property at this time of year. Is there any effective way to kill them at this stage?
View Answer:
In King County, Himalayan blackberry is a Class C noxious weed, meaning that control is not required by law, but is recommended in natural areas and restoration sites.
University of California, Davis Integrated Pest Management describes various methods of controlling blackberry.
In Ann Lovejoy’s Seattle P-I article dated, Thursday, June 7, 2001, she describes vinegar-based herbicide as a means of controlling weedy blackberries and horsetail.
You may also want to contact WSDOT's roadside vegetation maintenance department to report the problem with unwanted blackberries migrating onto your property.
Season
All Season
Date 2008-01-31
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Keywords: Weed control--Pacific Northwest, Noxious weeds--Washington, Senecio jacobaea, caterpillars, Biological control
PAL Question:
I was just walking through a wild area in Seattle with lots of weeds, and came across some strange caterpillars. They are mostly hairless (to the naked eye, anyway), and are striped black over orange with black legs. Can you tell me what they are?
View Answer:
I believe you may have seen the Cinnabar moth caterpillar, Tyria jacobaeae, which was introduced to the United States to control a noxious weed, tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). Here are pictures to compare, and more information:
Wikipedia
Flickr image
Gerald Durrell Jersey Zoo
Both Washington State's noxious weed control board and King County Noxious Weeds have information on weed control with Cinnabar caterpillars. (See page 5 of the document). Tansy ragwort is a Class B noxious weed, and control is required in King County.
Season
All Season
Date 2009-07-16
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