Sockrop is a really annoying weed for many garden owners because it is so difficult to control. Chemical control agents only help to a limited extent because the plant forms very deep roots. How to destroy docks with and without chemical agents.
How can you effectively combat docks?
The best way to control dock is to deadhead the plant before it flowers and produces seeds. A special dock pruner should be used to remove the entire root. Chemical control agents are less effective and should only be used in emergencies.
Socket forms very deep roots
If dock appears in the garden or lawn, you should take action immediately. Once the plant has settled in, you have little chance of effectively fighting the weeds.
The roots reach more than a meter deep into the earth. They form runners from which new plants emerge.
In addition, dock propagates via seeds. Never allow docks to flower in the garden so that you can control the spread.
- Don't let the dock bloom
- cut out new rosettes immediately
- Keep lawn short
- Use chemical sprays only in emergencies
Destroy dock by hand
Pulling out the roots is more effective than using sprays. This should happen as soon as you have discovered even a small rosette of the dock.
Use a special sorcerer to cut out the sorrel. With it you can get deeper into the ground than with a normal weed wrench. You must remove the roots as completely as possible, as new dock plants will also sprout from the remains.
Dig out docks in the garden or lawn on a day when the soil is very moist, such as after a rainy day. Then the soil is looser and you can get the roots completely out of the soil without any effort.
The use of chemical control agents
The cost of chemical control agents to destroy dock is less than biological control. There are a number of preparations that are suitable for this, such as Roundup, Simplex, Weedex or Dicopur. All products contain toxic substances.
The use of these control agents must be carried out exactly as instructed. Some are applied in the spring, others are sprayed in the fall. Application in autumn is not quite as successful, but the lawn can usually be used again the following spring.
Basically, it must be said that chemical-based sprays only ever have a selective effect. Most of the ingredients remain on the surface and do not even reach the deep roots. That's why chemical control of docks in the garden or lawn should be viewed critically.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
If you decide to use chemical sprays to destroy docks, follow the instructions on the package exactly.
Improper use can cause he alth problems for you, your children and your pets.
Tip
If you are controlling docks with chemicals such as Simplex or Roundup, do not collect dock leaves to eat. Pets must also not be allowed on the lawn to prevent poisoning.
