Weeds

What is a weed?

Weeds are plants that invade and thrive in environments in which they do not naturally occur. These plants alter the natural balance in the local ecology and threaten biodiversity by competing with indigenous plants that are a valuable food source for native birds and fauna.

How do weeds spread?

• Natural mechanisms including wind, stormwater, birds, ants, animals and humans (with seed attached to faeces, fur, feathers, shoes and clothes).
• Artificial mechanisms such as vehicles, gardening equipment, dumping of garden waste or moving contaminated soil or mulch.
• Garden Escapees.
• Vegetative cultivation where weeds have runners, bulbs and tubers.

Weed Control Techniques

• Prevention (do not reuse or dump garden waste). Garden rubbish should be disposed of in the Green Waste Bin as this waste will be heat-treated and turned to compost.
• Remove by hand ensuring that whole plant, including roots, is removed.
• Cut trunk / stem as near to ground as possible and paint with herbicide immediately on cut surface.
• Cut stems on aerial growth to destroy climbing vines.
• Drill several hole in the trunk and fill with herbicide.
• Spot spray with herbicide to minimise damage to non-targeted plants.
• Dig out ensuring that whole plant, including roots, is removed.
• Always seek expert advice before using chemical control methods and proceed with caution.

Different Types of Weeds

• Climbers & Creepers
• Grasses, Bulbs & Groundcover
• Trees & Shrubs
• Other Weeds of Concern
• Acknowledgements and Disclaimer

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Updated: 20 March 2009

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