How to Get Rid of Ragwort Weed - A Step-By-Step Guide

Yes, Ragwort is a weed. Ragwort is a perennial problem for owners of grazing paddocks and fields. Due to its “Injurious weed” classification under the (Injurious) Weeds Act 1959, it does mean that failure to control ragwort that spreads to neighbouring land could be an offence and result in control orders from DEFRA. The toxic alkaloids which the plant contains, makes it poisonous to both people and livestock if eaten. For these reasons we have created a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of ragwort weed and gain control.

Ragwort is a tall weed with clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and deeply lobed, dark green leaves.

And what weed killer kills ragwort? Read our easy-to-follow guide:

1. Ragwort should be treated in its early stages, usually in spring and autumn, where it can be found as a “rosette” (ideally about 10-20cm wide) growing near to the ground. If it is left to grow then flower and seed, it will become very difficult to control.
   If you have missed the rosette stage, it is possible to top (cut) your grass and wait around four weeks for the ragwort to grow back to a re-sprayable size, plus the shorter grass length will ensure more of the ragwort herbicide hits the target weed (Mar – Sept/Oct)
   
2. If the ragwort sends up a stalk or looks about to flower, this can be removed. Cutting must be done with care as it can encourage side shoots - enlarging the plant in the following year, making the problem worse. Plants that are cut back when in flower can still produce seeds that are viable but it can help to reduce infestation levels. NB: Cut flower heads can still mature into seeds so they must be removed from site and disposed of or burnt.
3. What weed killer kills Ragwort? Barrier H, Thrust, and PastureMaster are proven ragwort weed killers using a boomspray or knapsack sprayer. Ensure that the leaves of the ragwort plant are completely covered, almost to run off, as Thrust is taken in through the leaves and full leaf coverage is key for good results. (Please note that some herbicides only have approval for boomspray application and cannot be used in a knapsack sprayer - this information can be found in the product descriptions and on the product label)
4. To maximise results when using herbicides such as Thrust and PastureMaster, the adjuvant Validate is strongly recommended as it acts to improve the uptake of the chemical into the weed.
5. 5. For areas where livestock are present, it is important that they are kept out of the treated area for at least 14 days and until all traces of ragwort are removed. A dead or dying plant is especially dangerous since it is much more palatable to livestock.
6. 6. Always wear gloves when handling ragwort plants. We would recommend wearing our Ultranitrile Gloves.
7. When the ragwort has died, it is standard practice that it should be disposed of on-site, to stop the risk of spreading the weeds elsewhere – burning is the safest option.