How to kill weeds/grass along a chain link fence line.

[luv4horses]

Has it occurred to anyone that adding so much salt to the environment is more damaging long term than adding a very tiny bit of herbicide?

About being allergic to herbicides-- For something to be an allergen (cause allergies) it needs to be a complex molecule. But herbicides are simple molecules. So, the allergy that people think they are experiencing is more likely a reaction to something in the herbicide solution that is not the herbicide, for example the special soap that is needed to keep a herbicide in liquid solution. So, if you do have a reaction, don't assume you will react to all herbicides, as it is the 'inert' ingredients causing your problem and different concoctions can have different inert ingredients. Also, it might just be that you are stirring things up outside when you apply and examine the after effects of the herbicide. For example there may be weed pollen on the grass that you are fluffing up as you walk outside and that is what you are allergic to. Just something to think about.

[LoriNJ]

Anything, any molecule, can be an allergen. Not sure where the idea that herbicides can't be allergens came from.

[KW Enterprise]

{Weed Killer} 1 Gallon white vinegar 2 cups multi purpose epsom salt 1/4 cup regular blue dawn dish soap

[luv4horses]

Originally Posted by LoriNJ

Anything, any molecule, can be an allergen. Not sure where the idea that herbicides can't be allergens came from.

From a PhD biologist. The only way a herbicide can become an allergen is if it is attached to something more complex, like a protein.

And yes, you can die from too much exposure to H2O, but water is not an allergen and it is a molecule.

[Ghengis]

I find the look of dead grass along the fence line to be too ugly to go that route. The idea of pavers or poured "curb" would be the way to go but hard to do after the fact. I use a .095 trimmer string and have around 300 ft or more of fence (inc both sides) and have to replace the string maybe a couple times but the spool system on the Husqvarna makes it a snap to do, it really isn't that much of a hassle. I trim the fence maybe 3 or 4 times per year.

[vkg]

I read somewhere else that a good weed barrier under a fence is a layer of roof shingles. Or strips of vinyl flooring.

[Reactionary]

The old-fashioned, non-chemical, no string, way:




You can pull the weeds as you go.