Did you know that all products used to protect plants in your garden must be authorised by the Chemicals Regulations Directorate? It’s true!
Each product must go through a strict testing process prior to hitting the shelves, ensuring that all pesticides, fungicides and herbicides are safe and won’t cause damage to the environment.
This applies to all plant protection products (PPPs), including those used to control weeds; however, it’s not the only bit of red tape to be found when it comes to weed control.
There are also a variety of laws and legislations when it comes to the actual use of pesticides and weed killers too – particularly when it comes to professional weed services.
To keep you in the know and out of trouble, here’s the ins and outs of the whacky world of weed control.
For Your Ivy Only
If you fancy yourself as a regular James Bond of the backyard, fending off the spectre of weeds before they ravage your garden can be a great way to ensure the longevity of your lawn.
Luckily, you don’t need a licence to kill if you are tending to unwanted weeds on your own property. In fact, such odd jobs can help save your grass from the jaws of death.
However, when it comes to hiring a professional that charges for such a service, whoever is providing that service is going to need a valid weed killer licence to do so.
Even some professional-grade weed killer products come with a requirement for a professional applicators licence, so take care when ordering weed killer online.
The Spray Who Loved Me
Weed removal services will need to be carried out by professionals that are qualified to do so. Commercial use of professional weed killer without a weed killer licence can result in prosecution.
The recognised industry qualification is the NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides (aka PA1 and PA6).
The course itself typically involves two units: one theory and one practical. The completed course provides the individual with a lifetime qualification that allows them to safely use pesticides in public places.
The PA1 foundation unit is the theory side, covering legislation, health and safety requirements, precautions, product label information, safe handling and use of pesticide application.
The PA6A is the practical side, covering the manual handling and safe use of pesticides using knapsack sprayers. Additionally, completion of the PA6AW assessment allows you to apply pesticides near water.
The Weed Is Not Enough
When dealing with professional weed services, you may come across the term “grandfather rights”. This is in reference to a loophole that allowed those born before 31 December 1964 the ability to apply professional crop protection without a weed killer licence on their own or employer’s land.
However, the so-called “grandfather rights” exemption came to an end on 26 November 2015, with further implications coming into effect on 1 January 2019. As a result, all weed removal professionals need an individual licence to use weed killer commercially.
Dig Another Day
If you’re looking for professional weed services from a fully-qualified provider you can trust, look no further. Lawn & Weed Expert are, as the name suggests, experts in weed removal and are more than up for any garden challenge you want to throw our way.
With over 20 years’ experience, we know a thing or two about lawn care. Save yourself the hassle and let us do the groundwork for you. You won’t be disappointed with the results!
For more information on weed removal or the weed services we provide, call now on 0800 111 4958. Alternatively, drop us an email using the button below and request a FREE lawn survey today!
Request a FREE Lawn Survey
