A weed is typically defined as a plant growing in a location it’s not wanted, and most often refers to species like dandelions, bindweed, knotweed, moss and algae. Weed killer eliminates unwanted vegetation by interfering with essential processes and preventing it from making the proteins it needs to grow.
Effective weed control for large industrial and commercial sites is not only essential for aesthetic purposes, but also for a number of health and safety, cleanliness, efficiency and accessibility reasons.
However, it’s important to choose products for your large-scale weeding requirements wisely. Many of the commercial products on the market contain strong, harmful chemicals that can have detrimental long-lasting effects, causing collateral damage to human health, animal and plant life, and biodiversity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of weed prevention for industrial sites, the most effective application methods, and other vital efficacy, environmental and safety considerations for large sites.
What is industrial weed killer?
While residential weed killers usually come in hand-held spray bottles so you can closely target the intended area, for a large site, applying a solution this way would be incredibly time-consuming, monotonous and ineffective.
Industrial weed killers are designed for professional use and help you target weeds and unwanted growth on a larger scale. These usually come with longer hoses and application tools to allow you to target a large area more quickly and efficiently.
Commercial weed solutions are used to keep sites looking clean, tidy and professional, targeting growth between paving slabs, on walls and fences, and on signage. They’re also often deployed to contain roadside foliage, and for agricultural weed management to prepare and maintain land for crops. Weed killer for factories and warehouses is also essential to keep facilities safe, accessible and efficient.
Types of industrial weed killers
There are two main types of industrial weed killer:
Herbicides
These strong chemical weed killers use a chemical called glyphosate, which can be dangerous and harmful to human health, biodiversity, and the environment.
Glyphosate is a non-selective weed killer that kills most plants it comes into contact with, and has an equally merciless approach to other life forms in its vicinity. The toxic chemical poses severe danger to people, with research showing links to cancer and other severe health issues. With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that local authorities around the world are moving to phase out the use of herbicides altogether.
Herbicide-free solutions
Thankfully, we’re not reliant on toxic heavy-duty chemical products for large-scale weeding requirements. Continuous research and innovation have led to the development of herbicide-free alternatives, like Foamstream, which are disrupting the traditional market and changing the way councils and contractors manage their outdoor spaces.
Foamstream uses hot water as the ‘active’ ingredient that kills the weed and a biodegradable foam as a thermal blanket to maintain the necessary temperature. It’s highly effective, organic, biodegradable - and crucially - safe for use around people, animals and delicate ecosystems.
Best application methods for large sites
Take the following factors into consideration when treating large sites with industrial weed killer.
Spraying techniques
Using a long lance or hose allows you to quickly reach and treat a wider area from your location.
Our Foamstream products’ hose lengths range from 20m to 60m+ and can come with a range of detachable heads so you can choose the most effective tool for the job.
Whether you need a smaller head for more accurate work in landscaping beds, a large head to cover more ground more quickly, or a high pressure nozzle for tough cleaning tasks, we’ve got you covered.
Application timings
To catch weeds at their most vulnerable, spring and autumn are usually the best time of year to strike.
However, if you’re using a heavy-duty herbicide, weather conditions can have implications for both efficacy and safety. Herbicides require the soil around the weed to absorb the product and rainfall dilutes the strength of the solution. It can also contaminate runoff, polluting waterways and damaging ecosystems.
Wind poses challenges, as even a light breeze can lead to spray drift and transfer the product to locations beyond its intended application. Users should also be wary of the implications hotter conditions can have for efficacy, as weeds can develop a thick waxy layer, which acts as a barrier to the herbicide absorption.
For an effective year-round strong weed killer for large areas that doesn’t harm the environment, opt for a herbicide-free product. Unlike toxic alternatives, products like Foamstream don’t require soil absorption for the product to take effect, therefore aren’t affected by weather conditions or season. Plus, as it’s organic and environmentally friendly, any drift will not harm surrounding animal or plant life.
Frequency of application
This usually depends on the type of weed you’re trying to get rid of and its lifecycle. Opt for a professional weed remover that requires minimal treatment cycles to tackle weeds with the minimum intervention and product necessary. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on your chosen product for the most effective outcome.
Environmental and safety considerations
Glyphosate-based products have detrimental implications for the environment, and compromise the health and safety of human and animal life. When shopping around for the best industrial weed killer product for your needs, consider the following:
Impact of soil health and water sources - As we touched on with application timings and weather considerations, glyphosate products can contaminate rainwater, and run into waterways and areas it wasn’t intended for, damaging other plantlife and wildlife.
Protecting surrounding plants and wildlife - If using landscaping and grounds maintenance herbicide, consider how you can limit the travel and impact of the product to other plants, wildlife and habitats. Optimum weather conditions and precise application are essential but still don’t guarantee protection. A herbicide-free product proven not to harm animal life or damage biodiversity is a significantly safer, more ethical route.
Protective gear and handling procedures - Glyphosate products can irritate skin, and in severe cases, lead to chemical burns, so it’s essential users take precautions and use protective equipment. Herbicide-free solutions typically pose less of a danger to human health, and for Foamstream users, we simply recommend using eye protection and gloves as a precaution from the heat and any splashback.
Product recommendations for commercial weed control
| Herbicides | Foamstream: Herbicide-free industrial weed control | |
| Designed to: | Tackle weeds and unwanted growth for large sites | Tackle weeds and unwanted growth for large sites |
| Made with: | High concentration of glyphosate and other toxic chemicals | Hot water and patented organic foam technology |
| Side effects: | -Harmful to human health, linked to cancers and severe health conditions
-Irritant to skin and can cause chemical burns -Adverse health impact on animals that come into contact with or ingest glyphosate-treated vegetation -Causes water pollution as it runs into groundwater, streams, rivers and coastal waters -Destroys wildlife habitats and biodiversity |
None - Safe for use around people, animals and delicate ecosystems |
| Year-round efficacy: | Ineffective in certain weathers - blowing in high winds and being diluted in periods of heavy rainfall | Suitable and effective all year round |
| Other considerations: | Facing increasing legislative and environmental resistance | Gaining popularity worldwide as a safe and environmentally friendly solution amid increasing herbicide legislation |
Foamstream is a fast-acting industrial weed spray that’s tough on unwanted vegetation and dirt without compromising the environment. Whether you need a large-scale solution or you’re looking for close-range accuracy, our organic patented foam and industry-leading technology make the perfect pair.
Learn more about our solutions here, or get in touch to talk through your questions and requirements with our friendly team.
