Chemical Application

Considerations

As with all chemicals, wear the appropriate clothing and follow all instructions on the product labels.

Before choosing your method of bracken control take into consideration the following:

• The Type of ground to be treated?
• Is it on or near a designated site? For example: Nature Reserve, National Park, AONB, SSSI, ASSI, SPA or SAC.
• Is there an Archaeological site on the area to be treated?
• Is it near a water source?
• Are there animals grazing on or near the area to be treated?
• Are there public footpaths?
• Are there food crops nearby?
• Is there a forestry site around or near the area to be treated?

Aerial Application

Control by aerial spraying is most successful where there are large areas of bracken, and can often prove to be a valid and cost effective option, but if you have answered yes to any of the above this may not be the best option for you.

Use of Ground-Based Equipment

Under the terms of the draft Emergency Authorisation that will be issued to cover the use of Asulam for bracken control in 2020, use of Asulam in any description of equipment other than helicopters, will not be authorised.

This will exclude use in equipment such as:

• Tractor / vehicle mounted boom sprayers
• Tractor / vehicle mounted single point sprayers
• Knapsack and all handheld sprayers
• Weed wipers

Specialist Advice

Specialist advice should be sought when choosing your method of bracken control. For the details of a contractor see the lists for aerial & ground based contractors on the Contractors page in the Home menu.  If you cannot find anyone suitable, please contact us as we may be able to help.