Jack wrote in message ...
Hi all,

I have a problem with nettles and strangleweed (the stuff that breaks off
sticking to your clothes) - it's choking my green beech hedge. I can strim
ok but risk damaging the bark and lower branches on the beech plants
(already tried). Raking doesnt get the nettles. For the long term I have
some matting to put down but before I can do that I need to kill off
whatever's there without damaging the beech. Any suggestions?


1. Mow or strim fairly close to the hedge, staying well clear of
risking any bark damage.
2. Get yourself a grass hook (like a scythe but with a short handle).
Sharpen it. 'Feel' your way in towards the little trunks,
and then swing the grass hook out. You'll get 90% or more of the
remaining nettles & goosegrass.
3. The remaining weeds will be very visible against the hedge, and can be
pulled out by hand.

Repeat twice per season until the hedge is 4ft high, when the weed problem
will reduce considerably- you can then drop to
once per season.

--
Anton