Tips 'n’ tricks to control pest plants

Be a weedbuster!

By controlling weeds – managing, removing or containing them – you can protect native plants, animals and ecosystems.

Weedbusters offer advice and support for everyone to help protect New Zealand's environment from the increasing weed problem.

Cutting through blackberry to release a native tree covered in Old man’s beard.

How to get them out

• Research first – find out about the weeds you’re dealing with first and ask for expert help.
• Start small – avoid creating large cleared areas which can allow new and different weeds to establish.
• Work in stages – tackle outlying weed patches first to slow the rate of weed spread before starting on the worst areas.
• Keep safe – if using herbicides, contact a local Weedbusters group for advice.
• Good timing – destroy weeds before they fruit or seed to prevent a new generation of weeds
• Don’t spread them – when shifting dead weeds take care not to spread any seeds or fragments around that could grow again.
• Smart disposal – decide on the best disposal method to use before you start, particularly if working in a large area

How to keep them out

Taking out weeds will often open up the area for other weeds to grow. Here’s how to avoid replacing one problem with another:

• Replace bad with good – plant natives or non-weedy plants as you go. Download this free Plant me instead booklet and find out about what to plant in your place

Pest plant - Tradescantia (wandering willie) - Weedbusters	Plant me instead - Tōtera (creeping fuchsia)

• Help native seedlings – provide shelter and control pest animals
• Mulch – this discourages weeds and helps good plants grow
• Regular attention – ongoing control of weeds keeps maintenance at a manageable level. Use selective herbicides so non-weedy plants survive and follow the directions closely.

The best follow-up method can depend on the environment you are working in. Contact Department of Conservation or local Weedbuster group if you need further advice.

More information

• Weedbusters – information on pest plants in New Zealand
• Agpest – a free online tool to assist farmers and agricultural professionals with pest and weed management decision making