Topping

Many animals are selective about the type of vegetation they eat.  The result is that weeds and lank grass take over from the lush grass your livestock need.  Regular topping helps to control weeds, stimulates grass growth and stops the weeds crowding out the grass.  The best topping strategy depends on the type of livestock, other treatments applied (fertilizing and spraying, for example) and the weather.  A typical plan would be to top 3 times a year, spring summer and autumn.

Spraying

Spraying of pasture can be undertaken for many different problems. In most cases, the optimum time to spray is Spring followed by late summer/autumn. Spraying at other times is possible, but tends to have less effect.  See our Spraying page for more general information.

If the pasture has been left uncultivated, over- or under- grazed for an extended period, it is likely to be overrun with one or more species of broad-leaved weeds, the species present being very dependent on the soil type. In such a situation a pass with a broad-spectrum broad-leafed weed killer, or a more targeted attack on a single species if one type is particularly prevalent, would be a good initial treatment.

Even in relatively well-managed permanent pasture, a particular weed may become a problem due to neighboring land or soil condition. Dock or thistle are prime examples, but Common Ragwort is the one that needs the most careful treatment due to its toxicity to all livestock (including sheep and goats, which people often don’t realize). For more information of Ragwort, see our Grass News page.

Under normal circumstances, livestock will need to be kept off of treated fields for 2-3 weeks. However, Ragwort becomes more palatable as it dies so must be isolated until it disappears or, as recommended by the British Horse Society, is manually pulled and burnt. We recommend a minimum of 12 weeks before reintroducing livestock to a field sprayed for Ragwort.

In addition to statutory conditions for pesticide use, manufacturers instructions and industry standards, we demand a 5-meter buffer-zone between boom spraying and the nearest livestock to avoid any potential respiratory problems.  Whilst very rare, some animals can experience an allergic reaction to some inhaled pesticides that, in extreme cases, can lead to death. This buffer zone is only necessary during the actual spraying operation and can be reduced to 2 meters when the operation is complete.

 Fertilizing

To give grass the best chance to beating the weeds, make sure it has the nutrients it requires.  If the grass is generally poor, a soil test is inexpensive and will tell you exactly what it needs, including soil acidity levels to see if liming would be beneficial. For grass that is growing strongly, a general NPK 20:10:10 applied in spring will boost the grass and make a difference all summer.

Rolling, Harrowing

Pull out “thatch” to encourage grass tillering and roll out the worst of the ruts caused by grazing in winter.  Grass harrowing from spring to autumn is recommended.

Other Services

Other services include Ditching, fencing, hedge trimming and refurbishment, ploughing, working down and drilling.

We do NOT currently offer a hay- or silage- making service.

We are happy to answer your queries on any service, whether listed or not. Please use the form below or use our Contact Us page.

Send mail to webmaster@paddockservices.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: September 13, 2006