Round 'Em Up, Shoot 'Em Up ... Aw, Just Kill 'Dem Weeds, Darn It!
Written: Jun 29 '04 (Updated Jul 06 '04)
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Pros: Great at killing weeds in sidewalks, driveways, etc.
Cons: As with any toxin, be careful - and avoid spraying near plants you like
The Bottom Line: RoundUp does a good job at killing tough weeds in sidewalk and driveway cracks. I'd recommend it over other similar poisons.
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| martytdx's Full Review: Round - Up Grass & Weed Killer Ready To Use - 1/2 ... |
The steamy heat was suffocating, the humidity pressing in on his skin like a film, making each movement torture as he slowly moved toward the target. Through the brush, he saw it, a single sentinel which kept him from the cool comfort of his goal. Creeping up, he closed on the offender, the infidel which invaded his home and corrupted his land. His eyes narrowed against the glare as he aimed, his grip sure when he pulls the trigger. ZAP - another fallen enemy, the last one gone. Time for Kool-Aid!
[ • the lines are DRAWN • ]
I have a hate-hate relationship with weeds. Try as I may, I've yet to be able to keep the weeds out of my yard. However, I can do something about them in my driveway and sidewalk. I have pulled and shoveled, dug and scraped, but RoundUp gives me my most effective weapon against annoying weeds. Whether clover, dandelions or other broadleaf weeds, everything falls to the stuff. My latest version of this weapon is the RoundUp Spray Foam.
[ • tactical PLAN • ]
RoundUp kills weeds through absorption through the leaves and stems, the toxins running to the 'heart' of the weed and poisoning it. The key ingredient isopropylamine salt of glyphosate is known to inhibit the action of three amini acids used in plant growth. Without these amino acids, a key enzyme, EPSP synthase is in turn inhibited. This inhibition ends up killing the plant.
Unfortunately, not only weeds are affected by RoundUp - any plants you hit with the spray will fall victim, including grass, flowers and plants. You can help offset inadvertant sprays if you rinse with water quickly, but it is usually the unseen spray that gets you cursing later when you spot the tell-tale yellowing of your plants.
[ • how to USE • ]
The spray foam works better than the old stuff, mostly because it is easier to see where you've already sprayed - a key piece of the weed eradication program. The foam which helps you know where you've sprayed - and where you haven't gotten around to killing yet. Once sprayed, you should see the beginnings of weed control within 24 hours. By day 3, the weed should be completely dead and the cleaning up can begin. The foam also acts to hold the poison onto plant leaves better, aiding in absorption (the surfacant in the mix) and overall toxicity.
I've been able to do my entire sidewalk and driveway in less than an hour, then wait the day or two until the plants are dead, then pull or remove them. The key is that unlike normal weeding, RoundUp gets to the roots of the plant, killing everything - therefore stunting further growth. When you pull or scrape, you miss parts which will readily grow back.
One other use that my wife and I discovered for RoundUp is killing kudzu. The people who lived in our house before us must have loved the stuff, because it was EVERYWHERE (and if you have ever had kudzu, you know how invasive it is and how fast it grows). Unfortunately, because of the extensive root structure of kudzu, you can ill the mail vines but the roots will survive and sprout again. But we found a way to get to the 'root of the problem'. Get a fairly large gauge hypodermic needle from a medical store, then load the syringe with RoundUp. Find a decent-sized kudzu root or stem, and cut it. Then inject the RoundUp directly into the center of the root/stem. Do this in several places to maximize the effect. It managed to not only get the vines growing on our fences and trees, but killed most of the major roots throughout the yard. The kudzu is making a comeback now, but we held it in check for years this way.
One note, don't use this within 24 hours of expected rain. Although the poison should have been absorbed by then, you run the risk of contaminating water supplies with run-off. Also, do not use in windy conditions, as the spray may contact plants you don't wish to kill
[ • chemical INGREDIENTS • ]
Active Ingredients
Isopropylamine salt of glyphosate (active ingredient)
Water
The ethoxylated tallowamine surfactant
Related organic acids of glyphosate
Excess isopropylamine
Inert Ingredients
Polyoxyethylene alkylamine (CAS #61791-2)
Water (CAS #7732-18-5)
FD&C Blue No. 1 (CAS #3844-45-9)
[ • cautionary NOTES • ]
Although RoundUp bills itself as 'low-toxicity', there is evidence that exposure to the product can cause irritation of eyes and mucous membranes, or even more severe effects. There have been several questions about the toxicity claims made by the manufacturer Monsato, some of which have been settled by lawsuits.
Simply put, use the same cautions that you would with any other poison or herbicide - wear gloves and eye protection, do not use in windy conditions or in unventilated areas, and wash any skin that has had contact with the poison immediately.
Although Monsato claims that the product is "environmentally-friendly", RoundUp has shown to be harmful to animals, particularly acquatic wildlife. Do not use where your pets are going to be active, nor near water sources.
Lastly, do not use near fruit and vegetable plants. Although you may not get the spray on the plants themselves, it could be in the soil and absorbed through the roots.
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Recommended:
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martytdx
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Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 481
Trusted by: 179 members
About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
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