Fred wrote:
Hello,

I don't know anything about weed killers so I've been reading a few
bottle labels. It seems that there are two types: one that kills
everything above ground and those that kill everything above and below
ground. The problem with the former seems to be that with the roots
still alive the plant re-grows. Now if that is the case, what is the
point of these above-ground only weed killers? Why doesn't everyone
just manufacture/sell/buy/use the above and below ground weed killers?

You can use the above-ground only weedkillers for annual plants. As they
kill topgrowth with a day, they will stop these weeds seeding. Also, it
won't matter too much if you get them on perennials or shrubs, as they will
usually regrow in time. They act like a flame gun - effective immediately.


I understand that glycophosphate is highly recommended. B&Q's own
brand had a similar though not identical ingredient. Is that pretty
much the same?

If it is glufosinate (rather than glyphosate), it acts in a completely
different way.


I see that sodium chlorate is a cheap and readily available weed
killer. Is this an above and below or above only weed killer?

It kills everything. It also tend to hang around a bit.


I'm looking for something to stop grass growing between the patio
paving slabs BTW.


Depending on what you have surrounding the patio slabs, you could use Sodium
Chlorate, or one of the other "Path clearing" weedkillers (usually a mixture
of two or more chemicals). These kill what's there, and prevent shoots
coming up, too. Anything that germinates hasn't got a chance. They work
for several months.

BUT, beware leaching into surrounding areas. If you have a lawn right up to
the patio, I wouldn't spray within a couple of feet of it, just in case.
Otherwise you have a strip of some nice brown grass for months on end, and
there will be no point in replacing or reseeding until the weedkillers have
becoame inactive.


--
Jeff
(cut "thetape" to reply)