Tackle the giant hogweed problem at its roots

Giant hogweed is spreading in rural areas and is increasingly seen as a problem, partly due to the harmful effect of the toxic substance in the sap of the plant on the skin and eyes. Other plants are unable to survive under its large canopy. The soil deteriorates in quality and becomes susceptible to erosion. Along watercourses, this is a major problem for embankments, dikes, and flood defences.

The giant hogweed has been on the European Union's list of invasive species since August 2017. Control of giant hogweed is mandatory in all European Union countries.

In order to make the control even more effective Eijkelkamp Soil & Water, in collaboration with Landschapsbeheer Flevoland, the organisation responsible for the landscape of the Dutch province of Flevoland, recently developed a new hand auger to remove the roots: the giant hogweed auger. The auger body is 33 cm long, with a diameter of 89 mm. The one-piece auger has a total length of 111.4 cm. The auger is easily emptied using a bent spatula.

In order to effectively control the plant, the giant hogweed auger is used in addition to the existing control methods: hoeing, mowing, and grazing. The giant hogweed auger removes the roots of the giant hogweed ergonomically and effectively, preventing the plant from germinating again.