NEXT PREDATOR PULSE STARTS 1 February 2025 -
All about Weeds
Before your start on your weed patch
read up how best to tackle the weeds in your backyard.
The Weedbusters This website is a great resource for future weed busters!
https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/what-are-weeds/controlling-weeds
The Auckland City Pest Plants page also has great deal of useful info.
https://www.tiakitamakimakaurau.nz/protect-and-restore-our-environment/pests-in-auckland/pest-search
In places like Titirangi, weeds are hugely damaging to natural areas. Weed growth suppresses native growth.
Where weeds grow uncontrolled, the life span of the bush is greatly reduced. Removing invasive weeds gives the bush the chance to recover, and continue growth and restoration.
If you plan to eliminate weeds on your property, we salute you and thank you for your efforts!
The problems with weeds:
-
Weeds travel. They don’t care about boundaries. They are spread by people, machinery, wind, water and birds. They thrive and spread quickly from bush edges, streams, road edges and in roadside ditches.
-
Weeds can explode! Beware the lone weed. Sprinkled individuals and clusters of weeds can spread faster than a large colony.
-
Weeds can be pretty. Don’t fall for their good looks! If they are invasive, they are a big problem.
-
Weeds can be amazingly resilient. They can grow from stumps, logs, branches, twigs, leaves, spores, seeds, rhizomes, tubers, bulbs and any pieces left in the ground.
-
Weed removal can spread Kauri Die Back. So make sure that you follow the guidelines on www.kauridieback.org.nz even when working in your own garden.
Make a start!
-
Be weed intolerant! Remove weeds as quickly as you can. Time is of the essence!
-
Deal with any isolated weeds first - they usually spread faster than a large colony.
-
Cut flowers off any weeds you haven’t removed yet – this is a handy shortcut method to stop the next generation from getting established
-
Replant - with other plants, ideally natives, to stop future weeds from getting established and maintain your weed-free areas to keep them that way
In other places
If you are out walking or exploring, break off flower heads before they seed and if you can, pull out weeds. Dispose of seed heads in the rubbish.
Ensure your stormwater and wastewater systems are well maintained – and report any issues you spot when out and about
Get involved in local community groups to care for streams, waterways and other public spaces
What is weed hygiene?
Make sure you don’t unknowingly add to the Kauri Dieback problem:
Locate compost piles in a location you can maintain away from streams, ditches and bush
Cleaning your garden tools, including spades and edge trimmers
Dispose of weeds safely. Always following Kauri Dieback protocols
Visit www.kauridieback.co.nz for information.
These pages were created with support of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board
