Raking woody weed stems

Hi, all

I've started to clear a seriously overgrown and neglected large area of my garden (around 15yds x 20yds), which was covered with nettles, brambles, ivy etc.

I've cut down most of the weeds as much as possible, and I know that I should spray the area with a systemic weedkiller before rotovating to ensure the roots are dead.

However, at the moment the soil is covered - and I mean really covered - with what look like loose wood chippings - basically the remains of the woody stems of the weeds.

I really wanted the area to be as clear as possible before applying the weedkiller, but raking these woody bits is a pain. Not because its hard work, but because raking through the woody bits seems to gather a large pile of soil each time, which I am then putting into several garden sacks. I don't know if I'm particularly unskilled at raking, but I can't seem just to rake the wood into a pile without accumulating a really large mound of soil with it!

Am I wasting my time - i.e. should I just leave all the wood on top of the soil and apply the weedkiller as it is? I suppose any remaining wood would act as compost when I rotovate?

 

What type of rake are you using Sydney? You need a lawn rake for this sort of job, that will leave the soil where it is.

 

Sheal

I'm using a heavyweight level-head rake. I guess this is why it's gathering a ton of soil with every stroke! I never even thought of using a lawn rake (that's how much of a novice I am). Now you mention it, it seems obvious! So I'll invest in one tomorrow. :-) Cheers.

 

Your welcome.

 

You need to let them regrow first. A Contact Weedkiller, such as one that is Glyphosate based, will only work well on actively growing plant material.

Spring-tine rake or a Hay rake would be my choice. I would be inclined to put them lot through a shredder, and then onto the compost heap, thus if you pick up some soil with it that will just end up on the compost heap too.