I've gotten all along the fenceline to the ramp

[conuly]

And there appear to be roots growing under the ramp, which is a problem. Also, this is *definitely* a well-established node, the roots and stems have become woody and intractable. And there's stray chainlink fence where I guess we ordered too much and just left the excess on the ground? I ordered a wire cutter, I can't do much with it there.

To add insult to injury (literally! I got a rash yesterday because I carelessly went out there with short sleeves and brushed up against the ragweed!) it seems, upon googling, to be western ragweed. The eastern type is an annual. The western type is not and I think is invasive in this part of the continent.

The birds are not happy that I took away their hiding and perching spot. Whatever. My neighbor offered me some raspberry cuttings, yes please! and we'll see if the birdies like that more. If my bushes I planted this year don't take, which I increasingly suspect will be the case, I'll try again next year with larger samples - by the time I ordered I could only get the smaller size.

Comments

[gwydion]

Ragweed my bane!

[rebeccmeister]

I'm generally not a proponent of herbicides or pesticides, but for something like what you're describing, Roundup introduced directly to the cut/exposed roots/stems seems like it might be prudent. (I just don't know what you do with the rest of the container of Roundup after that, though - straight to Household Hazardous Waste collection?).

I tried to do an internet search, and wow, ragweed is pernicious!

I got raspberries started here in Albany in 2020, and they are continuing to grow enthusiastically! Much more delicious than ragweed. :^)

[conuly]

It would most likely be prudent, if I go that route - and yeah, I've been thinking about it! - to keep the roundup secure in case we have more ragweed hiding around. Actually, I'm certain we've got it under our patio section as well.

The other option is to ruthlessly rip up the leaves as soon as I see them and starve the roots, but... honestly, that depends on me doing that, you know?

[rebeccmeister]

Yeah, it probably makes sense to keep it on hand for a little while until you have more certainty about having knocked down the infestation. I have spent a lot of my life pulling up all kinds of enthusiastically growing plants...but sometimes there are limits.



I am confident that you already know this, so I will just mumble words to myself instead, about wearing the appropriate PPE and taking the appropriate precautions when working with the stuff.

[movingfinger]

I too would go for a small quantity of Roundup applied directly in this case. You could starve a plant like that out for the rest of your life, and the plant would survive you. Those deep roots are food stores.