Weed control at home

• Dispose of garden waste: Compost garden waste or place it in sturdy plastic bags for proper disposal. Never dump waste outdoors.
• Be mindful of water plants: Don't dump unwanted aquatic plants into drains or natural bodies of water—they can become invasive.
• Choose non-invasive plants: Avoid planting species with edible berries or seeds spread by birds or wind.
• Ask your nursery: Before you plant, ask your local nursery about the weed potential of different species.
• Reduce runoff: Ensure your garden doesn’t contribute to nutrient-laden runoff, which encourages weed growth.

• Limit soil disruption: Avoid unnecessary ploughing or soil disturbance to reduce exposure of new weed seeds.
• Prevent overgrazing: Monitor grazing areas to avoid creating ideal conditions for weeds to take over.
• Clean equipment: Clean machinery before moving it between areas to prevent spreading weed seeds.
• Monitor livestock: Quarantine new livestock for several days so weed seeds can pass through them in a confined area.
• Watch seed production: Stay aware of the flowering and seed-setting times for common weeds. Ensure you time slashing and grazing to prevent seed spread.

• Best for small infestations: This method is effective for small patches of weeds, but it’s important to remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.
• Tip: Weeds are easier to remove when the soil is moist. Use a sharp knife to cut through smaller roots.

• Delays seed production: Slashing or mowing can temporarily reduce weed spread, but it’s not a permanent solution. Repeated mowing will eventually damage underground food reserves.

• Goats and other grazers: Certain animals, such as goats, can help control weeds like blackberry and fireweed. Grazing is a natural way to manage some weed species.

• Solarisation: This method involves placing clear or coloured plastic over small infestations to heat the weeds and kill them. It works best for low-growing and semi-aquatic weeds.
• Fire: Controlled burns can help manage weeds, but you need to be aware of timing and conditions to avoid encouraging new growth.

• When to apply: Use herbicides only if no other method works. Apply them during active plant growth, before the plants flower or fruit sets.
• Application tips: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use herbicides only on the weeds listed. For some weeds, off-label permits may apply. If you’re unsure, contact DPI Agriculture, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Council's invasive species team, or the product manufacturers.

Safety first

• Always wear protective gear (gloves, masks, overalls) when handling herbicides.
• Avoid applying herbicides during extreme weather conditions or when plants are stressed due to drought or disease.

Herbicide application methods

• Spraying: Ideal for large infestations. Avoid spraying in windy conditions and protect surrounding plants.
• Weed wipers: For more targeted control, use a sponge or hand-held wick wipers to apply herbicide directly to taller weeds.
• Cut and paint: For woody weeds, cut the plant near its base and immediately apply undiluted herbicide to the cut surface.
• Scrape and paint: Best for vines, scrape the stem and apply herbicide to the exposed wood.
• Stem injection: For larger woody weeds, inject herbicide into an angled cut or hole in the stem.
• Basal bark treatment: For young woody weeds, paint or spray diluted herbicide onto the bark at the base of the stem to about 30cm above the base.