South coast weeds

The broad definition of a weed is a plant growing outside its natural environment that has an adverse impact.

Most weeds are from overseas, but some native Australian plants can also become weeds. Weeds spread when they arrive in a new environment that is favourable to their growth, leaving natural pests and diseases behind.

You can help to prevent the spread of weeds in your garden by learning about weeds, including:

Identifying weeds

Our environment team can help you find out about a specific plant growing in your backyard - and whether it's a weed:

Take photos of the plant: capture the whole plant, and close-ups of leaves, flowers, and any fruit or seed capsules.
Email the photos to us:
- E: WeedID@esc.nsw.gov.au.

You can also use NSW Weed Wise to help identify weeds by their characteristics.

Find out about weeds

Biosecurity matter (weeds)

Find out the difference between declared weeds and environmental weeds, the different impacts of weeds, and why they invade.

Weed-control at home

Learn about different weed control methods, when to use herbicides, and the things you can do to prevent weeds in your garden.

Common garden escapees

Many environmental weeds have escaped from gardens into the bush. Find out which species to avoid, and what to plant instead.

Native plants as weeds

Native plants can become environmental weeds if they're planted outside of their natural range. Be careful about which natives you plant and consider species less likely to spread.

Council weed control programs

Our programs aim to ensure that all landholders can manage local weeds and meet their biosecurity requirements.

Watch and learn

Take a look at some of the challenges around managing weeds after the 2019-20 bushfires.

Weed regeneration

You'll also learn about weed regeneration and the action you can take if you find weeds on your property.

More information

If you need more information about weeds, please contact our Invasive Species Supervisor, Paul Martin, on:

T: 4474 1000
E: Council