Ragtag UK
Stamp it in - Stamp it out!
Ragtag Instructions
Instructions for use.
Select the ragwort target plant and spray with herbicide according to the manufacturers instructions.
Place the Ragtag over the target plant, ensuring that all leaves are tucked inside.
Tread the Ragtag down into the ground using bodyweight and as much reasonable, sturdy stamping action as required. Be aware of the possibility of stones beneath the surface. These may damage the cutting edge of the Ragtag.
Ensure that the Ragtag is flat to the ground and remove and destroy any leaves cut off as a result of placing the Ragtag.
Repeat for each Ragwort plant.
After approx. 3 weeks, lift the Ragtag, using a hoof pick, fingers or other suitable tool. Remove and destroy any leftover plant debris.
The Ragwort plant is now dead and the Ragtag can be used again elsewhere.
When the set of Ragtags have been used on one section, they can be re-used on another if necessary.
Ragtag Removal
Ragtag can be removed by use of a hoof-pick, fingers or any suitable tool to lever it out of the ground. No specialist tools are needed.
Notes further to the instructions.
GLOVES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING RAGWORT
One Ragtag will treat one plant at a time.
It is generally accepted that the ideal time to treat Ragwort with herbicide is in the spring. This is due to factors such as the size of the plant, the weather, the growing cycle and of course, it makes sense to prevent the re-seeding process. Ragtag can be used and will be successful at any time of the year, subject to using a suitable herbicide. However, it does need to be trodden into the ground. During hot, dry periods, it may be necessary to soak the area first.
The Ragtag measures 15cm across; therefore, ideally each plant to be treated will be smaller than this. 7-10cm is recommended.
If the plant to be treated is larger than the width of the Ragtag, simply remove the excess. To be correctly positioned, the Ragtag must be able to sit flat to the ground. You may also need to cut down the stems of taller plants e.g. second year ragwort.
Ragtag is designed to be used with a suitable herbicide. These are generally known as Round-Up, and/or Barrier-H. Round-Up will only kill the plant during its active growing phase i.e. spring-autumn. Barrier-H will work at any time of the lifecycle. There are other suitable herbicides available.
Make sure you follow the herbicide manufacturers instructions. The Ragtag will not be damaged by coming into contact with the spray.
Ragtag has been designed to be used in the equestrian field. They are flat on the top so as to not be a tripping hazard and also to avoid inquisitive lips and teeth getting hold of them. Please make sure that they are trodden in ‘squarely’ to avoid having one side up and one side down. There are no sharp points and they are brightly coloured. This acts as a visual deterrent and helps to find them again when its collection time. They are UV stable, to help prevent brittleness after long periods in the sun or freezing temperatures.
A hoof-pick or screwdriver is ideal to remove the Ragtag. You will find any plant matter left to be blackened and rotted. Depending on the size of the original plant, most, if not all, will have been broken down and taken back down into the soil by worm and insect activity. Before you remove the Ragtag from the site completely, you must collect any dead plant matter and dispose of correctly.
Ragtag can also be used by people who choose not to use herbicides. In this case, the Ragtag is purely an isolation device to prevent the horse accessing the plant until the owner returns to dig up the plant when convenient. The use of a Ragtag on a plant without the use of herbicide will not result in killing the plant. It must be removed by another method.
ALL PLANT DEBRIS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE AREA AND DESTROYED.
