Vitax SBK Brushwood Killer 250ml

Vitax SBK Brushwood Killer 250ml is a concentrated, selective weedkiller for the tough, woody growth that ordinary weed killers struggle to shift.

It tackles brambles, nettles, docks, thistles, woody weeds and hardwood saplings, and it can also be used on unwanted tree stumps.

Because it is selective, it does not kill grass. You can treat weeds growing through lawns and grassy areas without leaving bare patches.

What SBK Brushwood Killer controls

• Brambles and briars
• Stinging nettles and docks
• Thistles and ivy
• Woody weeds and unwanted hardwood saplings
• Tree stumps, to help stop regrowth

How it works

The active ingredient is triclopyr, a systemic herbicide that works particularly well on woody plants. SBK contains no glyphosate.

It is taken in through the leaves and travels down to the roots. Killing the roots is what stops brambles and saplings growing straight back after you cut them.

Is Vitax SBK Brushwood Killer 250ml right for your garden?

This is a soluble concentrate that you dilute with water before use, and the 250ml bottle treats up to 83m².

That suits most domestic jobs, such as clearing a bramble patch along a fence, treating nettles at a lawn edge or dealing with a few self seeded saplings.

For larger or badly overgrown plots, the 500ml and 1L concentrates cover more ground. If you would rather not mix anything, the ready to use SBK spray goes on straight from the bottle.

How to apply SBK Brushwood Killer

1. Choose a dry, still day with no rain forecast, and make sure the weeds themselves are dry.
2. Mix the concentrate with water at the rate on the label. As a guide, the label rate for nettles, brambles and tough weeds is 25ml in 5 litres of water for a watering can with a fine rose, or 25ml in 1.25 litres for a sprayer, treating about 8.5m².
3. Apply evenly so the leaves are well covered. The leaves carry the weedkiller down to the roots.
4. Keep the spray away from garden plants, shrubs and vegetables you want to keep.
5. Keep children and pets off the treated area until it has fully dried.

For stumps, follow the stump directions on the label. If stump control is your main job, the Vitax SBK tree stump killer is made for it.

When to use SBK Brushwood Killer

• Tough weeds and saplings: May to October, when the soil is moist and the weeds are actively growing.
• Woody weeds such as brambles: June to August gives the best results.
• Tree stumps: autumn or winter. Avoid April to June, when the sap is rising.
• Avoid: wet, cold or frosty weather, and periods of drought.

Use no more than two treatments in a season, and allow at least six weeks after treatment before replanting the area.

Always read the label and product information before use.

Frequently asked questions

Does SBK Brushwood Killer kill grass?

No. It is a selective weedkiller, so it targets broadleaf and woody weeds while leaving lawn grasses unharmed.

How long does SBK take to work?

Treated weeds usually start to twist and distort within 7 to 14 days, depending on the type of weed. Tougher woody growth can take longer to die back fully.

Is SBK the same as Roundup?

No. Glyphosate weedkillers, including many Roundup products, are non selective and kill most plants they touch.

SBK uses triclopyr instead and spares grass, which makes it the better choice for weeds growing in lawns and grassy areas.

How much area does Vitax SBK Brushwood Killer 250ml cover?

Once diluted, the 250ml bottle treats up to 83m².

How long should I wait before replanting?

Leave at least six weeks between treatment and replanting.

Vitax SBK Brushwood Killer 250ml is part of our wider Vitax range of garden care products, available with UK delivery from Essentials Fix.