Best way to kill sting nettle - Ask Extension
How to kill stinging nettles
Knowledgebase
Best way to kill sting nettle #870870
Asked May 30, 2024, 10:15 PM EDT
How to kill stinging nettles
Lapeer County Michigan
Expert Response
I will need more information about your scenario to provide the best recommendation.
- What desired vegetation is in the area?
- Are these plants mixed in with others or a uniform stand?
- Are there any waterways nearby?
- Are you intending to replant this area?
- Also, how large of an area is infested.
The infected area is devoid of any vegetation to save
The area is a small garden bed 3 by 5 with no waterways and I would like to replant eventually
Thank you
Darlene
Sent from my Galaxy
-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 5/31/24 1:58 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Darlene Carlesimo <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Best way to kill sting nettle (#0140790)
I would suggest treating the area with glyphosate. This is getting trickier to find as the original brand, Roundup Grass and Weed Killer, has been changing out some of their active ingredients lately. In our area I did still see it available in the ready to use size (like a Windex size bottle) at Home Depot, but again check the small print where it lists the active ingredients. Be sure to read and follow all labeled directions. If the population is pretty dense you may want to mow the area first and then treat it once regrowth starts (cover skin during the mowing process). It is possible that more than one application will be needed. Please wait 2-3 weeks to see the maximum activity before retreating. I will leave some more information about glyphosate below.
I am about to depart on vacation tomorrow and will not return until June 20. If you have more questions, please consider emailing my colleague, Angie Tenney (<personal data hidden>). If she doesn't know the answer she should be able to find another expert at MSU who can. I appreciate you patience.
_______________
When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). For woody species, periods of heavy sap flow in the spring may not be effective times to treat. Finally, be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).
I am about to depart on vacation tomorrow and will not return until June 20. If you have more questions, please consider emailing my colleague, Angie Tenney (<personal data hidden>). If she doesn't know the answer she should be able to find another expert at MSU who can. I appreciate you patience.
_______________
When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). For woody species, periods of heavy sap flow in the spring may not be effective times to treat. Finally, be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).
