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Perhaps you have seen a non-aficionado struggle with starting a small gas engine? It is very frustrating for them because they can't do the 'Briggs Mind Meld' necessary to set the machine up properly and they don't have the troubleshooting ability necessary to recover when the motor becomes flooded, etc. My friend has no interest in the physics of gas engines. I understand that it is possible on an intellectual level not to like little gas engines.
Thanks!
--Winston
(Well, OK they dry out and go from green to straw color. But they do not pull out of the ground with less than several hundred pounds of force and have a very strong, fibrous stalk.)
Pictures are not convenient at the moment. Not a problem though. Just envision a single stalk about 1/4" to 3/8" inch in diameter, sticking about
3' to 4' in the air. They grow like a science fiction experiment. They are completely absent in lots surrounding hers and only appeared in her lot within the last three years. Really spooky.Our extension office has been closed for about 5 years.
Thanks!
--Winston
She has about ruined 2 AC units? She might not have enough voltage from small gauge extension cords, you could check cord gauge and measure voltage at the trimmer when its on.
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That'd be a great answer if the weeds would just grow more slowly. These are monsters. I've never seen anything like them.
Thanks!
--Winston
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That works for me but not for my friend.
Perhaps you have seen a non-aficionado struggle with starting a small gas engine? It is very frustrating for them because they can't do the 'Briggs Mind Meld' necessary to set the machine up properly and they don't have the troubleshooting ability necessary to recover when the motor becomes flooded, etc.
You can guarantee that a non-aficionado will manage to set the choke exactly wrong for any ambient temperature!
My friend has no interest in the physics of gas engines. I understand that it is possible, on an intellectual level, to not like little gas engines.
My friend will happily use a corded tool however.
Thanks!
--Winston
My friend doesn't have a lot of upper body strength. This stuff isn't ordinary 'brush'.
On cutting open a stalk, I saw hundreds of fine fibers up through the middle of the plant. Stuff looks like it was designed by NASA.
--Winston
Full strength Roundup is 50.2% glyphosate. I buy it in a gallon jug at Home Depot for $110.
Eliminator is not a bad deal, but it is not the same product. If you try and kill a stand of bamboo, you'll experience the difference!
Maybe as fast, but not nearly as easily. Not everybody is young and healthy.
As for problems, I don't have any with my brush cutter. It works great.
He's doing it wrong. For starters, there are a lot of variations on Round Up. Most people buy the cheaper versions that is 'pre-watered down". Buy the full strength stuff, and mix it yourself to whatever styrength is needed for each individual situation. The stuff that comes in a spray bottle won't kill anything that is much tougher than lawn grass.
Mix 10-12 oz of full strength Round Up to a gallon of water and you can kill astroturf and fake palm trees.
That's just it. The Cub Cadet doesn't require any interest in how it works. You push the primer bulb twice, pull the cord once and off you go.
It is becoming clear that your "friend" really doesn't want to get rid of the weeds. Several here have told you what it would take, but you are sure your friend won't do what it takes. I'd say the weeds are safe.
The only real option left is to hire somebody who IS willing to do what it takes to remove the weeds. You have exhausted the reasonable options for do it yourself solutions.
There are probably contractors who can mow and later spray the stuff. I'd try to call some. Does she intend to keep the weeds and just keep mowing or cutting, or does she have a plan to change the landscaping?
A Shindaiwa doesn't require a "Briggs Mind Meld".
Yes, I have, but I call them "idiots". They don't want to use the correct tool for the job and don't want to pay someone who will use the correct tool for the job.
Now we are getting somewhere!
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The nature of the damage is purely mechanical. The Grasshog is expensive but very cheaply made. Little shattered plastic parts.
I freely admit that the tool was never made for this level of abuse, however.
Thanks!
--Winston
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I suspect that the Roundup we purchased over the last year or so has been counterfeit.
I recall that Roundup used to be very effective against weeds. These weeds are very happy sucking it up.
Thanks!
--Winston
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My friend has used Roundup concentrate effectively in years past. It doesn't appear to be technique. The Roundup could be counterfeit, however.
Thanks!
--Winston
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Sounds like a dream. I want one of those 4 stroke Cub Cadets and I don't have any weeds to whack!
Won't work for my friend however.
She much prefers the hassle of an extension cord over the hassle of dealing with a gas powered tool.
Thanks!
--Winston
There is Round Up concentrate and then there is Round Up SUPER DUPER EXTREME concentrate. Big difference! Read the label. The strongest one is 50.2% Glyphosate.
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OK, That is a reasonable conclusion.
I've participated in several newsgroup sessions where the OP appears to be obstructionist because he comes up with reasons why a particular approach won't work.
It is very frustrating for folks who are just trying to help out. The reason I appreciate your collective thoughts on the subject is that I had run through all the 'easy' alternatives and required some fresh ideas.
Thank you for your time. I mean that seriously.
--Winston
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