With its picturesque growth, which is characterized by the gently swaying fronds, the bracken is a feast for the eyes. But not all gardeners see it that way. For some gardeners, this plant is a nuisance. Then combat strategies must be used
How can you effectively combat bracken?
To combat bracken effectively, you can mow it down several times, sprinkle lime or s alt, snap off the fronds, dig up plants, pull out rhizomes, fertilize generously or let it dry out. Chemical control agents are often less effective and can have negative effects on other plants.
Reason: Bracken fern is poisonous
The bracken is an extremely poisonous herb. In addition to other toxic substances, it is primarily pteritanic acid that leads to poisoning in the body and even death.
Both consuming and inhaling the spores can have serious consequences. This applies to humans and animals. This toxicity makes the bracken an unwelcome guest on the property, especially in households with children and animals.
Reason: Bracken fern spreads very quickly
Bracken is known for spreading quickly. It particularly likes to settle in pastures and meadows where cows, horses, sheep, goats, etc. graze. In addition to its toxicity, it is its dominance that makes it unwelcome to gardeners.
In weakened locations it becomes king and elsewhere it easily displaces other plants. With its shadow-casting fronds and its substances that prevent other seeds from germinating, it knows how to assert itself. Its rhizome is also extremely long-lived.
Control agent No. 1: Biological measures
Mowing the fronds several times has proven to be effective. They are mowed down for the first time in June and for the second time at the end of July. After mowing, the remains are bulldozed. After rolling, it is recommended to sow over the respective areas.
The following measures also help to combat bracken:
- Sprinkle lime (does not tolerate lime)
- Sprinkle s alt on the broken areas
- Knock off the fronds regularly (weakens the rhizomes)
- Dig up plants
- Pulling out rhizomes
- fertilize abundantly
- let it dry up
Second choice control agents: chemical destroyers
You should wear gloves both when pulling the plant and when using herbicides. Keep in mind that herbicides often don't work on bracken. The bracken is robust and willing to survive. He will come back – if not in the first year – in the second year. Herbicides also poison other plants and living beings.
Tips & Tricks
Before using herbicides, you should find out whether the respective herbicide has any effect on bracken.
