Buttercups & dock - no pro/agri license

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thefluffyviking

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I have about 2 acres of paddock (rented) and we're invaded by buttercups (there is plenty of docks at rosette stage as well), and I don't have the appropriate license to spray stuff like Grazon, Headland, or Thrust. What can I use that I can put my horse back on after a couple of weeks, and that doesn't require a license to apply? I don't have a local farmer that can come spray the field for me, and the landowners don't have a license either. We've tried Barrier H, and it seemed too kill *some* of the buttercups, but only a very few!
 
I thought Barrier H was mainly for ragwort. Maybe worth speaking to your local agricultural merchant to see if they have any recommendations. Alternatively look for some-one local who does paddock maintenance who can do it for you. I think you normally have more success with week killing if you spray before the flowers are out so maybe a bit late for this year.

I've spent the last week topping my fields. Doesn't kill the buttercups off but does make them look better.
 
The regulations changed a few years ago so anything, really anything, that is remotely any good you need a licence for. Equally you can just buy it online at somewhere like pro-green ……..

Unless you are somewhere truly remote there will be a professional paddock care (or semi professional one :0) ) person that will do it for you. Try Yell, facebook, or google - to fine someone. We had 3 acres professionally done 2 weeks ago for £90 - the chemical costs about half of that!


As Eggs said - you have really missed this year as the saying goes - Spray in May = stay away, Spray in June = be back soon.
But you will kill off this years growth even if you do it in June.
 
We use Grazon, don't have a licence. When we bought it we were in same boat as you and the chap in the shop said that there is no licence required to buy so we could buy the Grazon and take the risk that a regulator wont happen to be walking out in the middle of nowhere and see us doing it! I'd say that is fairly low risk so spray we do and it has kept paddocks in check. Got to spray at the right time though, they need to be quite young. I believe the way it works is that it accelerates the growth but the plant cant handle it so the wither away. We missed the window last year and as above poster mentioned they were soon back!
 
Best thing for buttercups is a product called"envy".
We used it last year and haven't had to bother soraying this year. I don't think you need a licence to buy it.
Weeds need to be actively growing when sprayed. If they are in flower you've missed the time. Best thing to do then is to top the land and wait for them to start growing again.
 
I found sheep the best thing for docs, they've cleared our front field and are now working they're way through the middle one! :D
 
my friend had a field next to a sports area,she asked how it kept so nice when hers was weedy,the groundsman said mow mow mow,not short but just keep topping.
 
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