Rhododendrons

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Yes I remember clearing a section of woodland on a project between that & Japanese Knot Weed in the same area.. OMG.
I think both were planted when there was a stately house in the area many years ago? we used this very effective 'blue dye'
root killer which was brushed onto the remaining stump of the 'Rhody' very effective. The Knot weed still grows in abundance in the
same area.
Regards
David

Its already been said that Rhody is public enemy number 1 for forestry and for wildlife. They only way to kill the root is my a stem injection, a hole is drilled into the main stem at 45 degrees (ish) and round up is squirted into it. Once the plant has died it can then be removed. Its a nightmare to clear as it can be so dense, you can work all day on an area and then look at it and it feels like you barely made a dent!

On a plus side, in the right location they look great! There are some lovely specimens in Westonbirt Arboretum.

[JonnyP]

Burn them all..!!

[rossbird]

Burn them all..!!

Thought that was Witches Jonny
Don`t forget there are some great spoons to be had from Rhododendrons .

[suggy]

I wouldn't use it for fire wood, I heard it was nasty (Carsinogenic / cancer causing ) when I was going to make a knife handle from it. It looks nice but don't breathe in the dust.

Doesn't bother the Gurkha's though...

http://www.nepalkhukurihouse.com/making-of-khukuri.php

[Silverback]

Doesn't bother the Gurkha's though...

Nothing bothers the Gurkhas.....hard little........b...lighters

[rossbird]

I wouldn't use it for fire wood, I heard it was nasty (Carsinogenic / cancer causing ) when I was going to make a knife handle from it. It looks nice but don't breathe in the dust.

Doesn't bother the Gurkha's though...

http://www.nepalkhukurihouse.com/making-of-khukuri.php

Not sure about that Suggy.
think I may have posted this before, put my mind at ease.
http://www.wildresources.co.uk/reports/rhodo_eng.pdf

[OakAshandThorn]

Lots of Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) in my area - 'tis a native species, and doesn't cause much harm to other plants...they are, in fact, quite useful for controlling erosion . Yes, they tend to grow in large colonies producing nearly impenetrable hedges and thickets, but this is excellent cover for wild turkeys, deer, and woodland tweeps .

[happybonzo]

I've used Ecoplugs in the past and found them very effective - http://www.ecoplug.com/

[jus_young]

Don't like them, hate them even. There is a row of 20ft tall specimens right opposite my front door and I would love to burn them. I see so many woodlands on my travels where they are spreading and it's not pretty.