Herbicide Application Challenges

One of the most widely trusted methods for controlling vegetation on a right-of-ways is through the use of herbicide application. During my time working in the vegetation management industry, a lot has changed. But when it comes to the challenges that go along with herbicide application, much has stayed the same over the years. Common challenges include logistical errors when cleaning containers, inaccurately measured blends, and safety problems that come along with field mixing. These problems can be a major source of frustration, but don’t fret - there are solutions out there.

Container Cleaning & Disposal

Cleaning herbicide containers is a delicate process and requires proper time and training. We often see this process creating big headaches for the people that have to deal with it. Herbicide containers need to be triple rinsed to get rid of any and all residue, with 99.99% of it removed in order for companies to stay within federal regulations. In addition to cleaning containers, disposal is often another pain point for companies using herbicides. The EPA is constantly updating its guidelines for safe disposal and it can be hard to stay up to date on the best and most current practices. In addition to hefty fines, improper disposal can cause a number of environmental issues and harm local ecosystems.

Returnable/reusable herbicide drums eliminate the need for any rinsing, saving both time and money for you. When a container is empty, you can simply send it back for proper disposal or to be refilled with your next batch of products. Townsend’s daughter company, Eco-Pak provides this service at no additional cost to help your team stay as efficient as possible.

Inaccurately Measured Blends

When used correctly, herbicides are a proactive means for controlling vegetation and a way to avoid mechanical trimming later down the line. However, when blends are inaccurate or improperly formulated; the application can be ineffective. Specific blends are needed to target certain types of vegetation, so careful formulation is key. Many times, applicators have to mix herbicides in the field; leaving room for error and inaccurate blends. In addition to being ineffective, this can also lead to wasted products and higher costs.

Partnering with a specialty blending service can reduce these headaches. The team at Eco-Pak works with companies to find out what their vegetation management goals are, and specialty blends products to meet those goals. If your needs aren’t met, our team is happy to reformulate to get it just right.

Staying Safe

 Safety is a huge concern for applicators, especially when field mixing comes into play. Applicators who are mixing herbicides themselves are at a higher risk of coming into contact with it, which can lead to acute or serious poisoning if done incorrectly. All applicators need to be properly trained on herbicide mixing best practices and procedures to follow in case of an accident or spill. Spills can occur during field mixing as well, and in some cases can affect local wildlife or residents due to drift or run down.

Obtaining custom-blended herbicides can actually help improve safety for field applicators. These pre-mixed blends eliminate the need for field mixing, significantly reducing the risk of exposure and spills. Remember to thoroughly train team members on proper application methods as well to ensure not only their safety but that of their local community.

With the proper tools and the right partner on your side, some of the most common herbicide application challenges can be controlled. There’s so much that goes into an effective vegetation management plan - don’t let the simple things trip you up. Eco-Pak’s custom blending solutions are here to help make your company and employee’s lives easier.

Contact our team today to learn how we can streamline your vegetation management needs.