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Coastal weeds - Introduction | CW0000 |
Coast Action/Coastcare
August, 2001 |  |
The Coastal Weeds information series consist of:
- This Introduction sheet which gives an overview of the weed issues facing coastal Victoria and suggestions for the prevention of weed spread
- Individual sheets with information about the management of specific weeds
These Coastal Weeds information sheets describe:
- How you can protect and preserve coastal flora and fauna from one of their greatest threats- environmental weeds
- The identification of some of Victoria’s worst coastal weeds
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Have you noticed that English Ivy in your yard quietly creeping over the fence, or the pretty Spanish Heath you were given for Christmas, spreading seedlings along the stormwater drain . . . and then there’s the Bridal Creeper from your hanging basket heading off through the bush . . . Unfortunately these and many other garden plants regularly escape and become environmental weeds . . .
Weeds
What are they?
Weeds are plants growing in the wrong place. Environmental weeds are plants that invade indigenous vegetation, threatening the survival of our flora and fauna. Environmental weeds may have been introduced from overseas or even from another part of Australia.
Noxious weeds are plants that are, or have the potential to become, a serious threat to primary production, Crown Land, the natural environment or community health in Victoria and are declared noxious under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Environmental weeds that degrade natural plant communities can now be declared noxious.
Weed Invasion
Why Worry?
If you have a declared noxious weed on your property you are legally obliged to remove it. Although there are no legal requirements for the control of environmental weeds, we must protect our indigenous vegetation from their damaging impact. If we don’t, we risk losing habitat for native wildlife and reducing diversity of both native flora and fauna.
How do weeds spread?
Weeds are dispersed by wind, water and animals. People spread them through inappropriate garden plantings, dumped garden waste and on their clothes, shoes, tools and vehicles. Coastal vegetation can lose its unique Australian character when indigenous plants are displaced by weeds.
English Ivy: fast spreading environmental weed from Europe
Prevention starts with you
Learn to recognise environmental weeds and local flora. Tell friends and neighbours about problem plants and how they spread. Ask respected nurseries about plants to avoid and suitable alternatives.
At home . . .
Control or consider removing environmental weeds from your garden. Replace with non-invasive plants. Try using indigenous plants that have been grown from local seed or cuttings. Encourage friends to do the same. Dispose of garden waste carefully (See Disposal). Check your pet’s fur coat for weed seeds.
And beyond . . .
Join or form an environmental group. Become familiar with your coastline. Inform DNRE, Committees of Management or other land and water manager of weed infestations and the appearance of new weeds. Start to plan.
Management Options
Restoring coastal vegetation involves a long-term approach. Choose weed control methods that minimise environmental damage. Prevention and avoidance of weed invasion is by far the best approach.
Knowing a weed’s life cycle and root system helps you decide which method to use and when. A brief summary of control options is given below. Read individual weed sheets for more specific advice.
Always consider non-chemical control methods first, to avoid unnecessary introduction of chemicals into the natural environment and the hazards of using them.
Natural Removal
Hand pulling, grubbing, digging, cutting and slashing using lawn mower or brush cutter, smothering, using heavy mulches or black plastic sheeting to ‘cook’ plants (solarisation), are all effective.
Biological Control
Requires a long lead time, is expensive and may not always be fully effective. Measures could include introducing fungi or insects which naturally keep targeted weeds in check. Biological control methods.
Chemical Herbicide Use
Foliar sprays, dry granule application, painting herbicide immediately to cut stumps, drilled holes, areas of stripped or frilled bark (ie. bark lifted with a hatchet) are all proven methods to control a variety of weeds.
Always remember . . .
- Recognise weeds in all stages of growth- know when each weed is most easily controlled
- Work from light to heavy infestations- stop the problem before it escalates
- Watch your feet when you weed- avoid trampling indigenous plants
- Check your clothes and equipment- don’t give weeds a free ride
- Minimise soil disturbance; replace leaf litter- weeds thrive in disturbed areas
- Do not overclear- consider erosion and new weed invasion
- Allow time for natural regeneration- in extremely degraded areas brush mat or mulch (where appropriate) and replant with indigenous vegetation.
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GROUP ACTION PLAN |
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What weeds are along the coast? |
Observe |
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What plants are there- good and bad? |
Make lists |
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Whose land is it? |
Make contact |
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Define your site boundaries |
Start small and have success |
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Who can help you plan your attack? |
Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators, Rangers, Coastal Planners |
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Prepare a plan of attack |
Eg. Weed management strategy, necessary approvals |
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Seek out funding or other resources |
Coast Action Coordinators, Rangers etc. |
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Involve the community |
Approach other groups |
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Make a start |
Record the event |
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See the difference |
Before and After photos |
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Keep watching |
Regular site visits; ongoing action |
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Share your knowledge |
Keep records, learn from failures and successes |
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Herbicide Use Precautions
- Information on current chemical control is available from chemical retailers or companies, regional Chemical Standards Officer or Chemical Information Service (of the DNRE Chemical Standards Branch).
- The chemical label of a herbicide gives you important information, and it is your responsibility to read it fully, choose a chemical appropriate to your situation, and only apply it according to the directions on the label.
- It is strongly advised that at least one member of any environment group has undertaken an approved chemical safety course. See local TAFE courses.
- Certain chemicals require you or a member of your group to hold an Agricultural Chemical User Permit. Enquire about this from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
- Herbicides are applied when plants are actively growing to increase effectiveness.
- Excessive rates will not increase chemical effectiveness and may cause more harm than good.
- Don’t apply when rain has been forecast, to minimise runoff and impact on non-target species.
- Glyphosate products in coastal environments are slow to break down due to the high sand content in the soil and low microbial activity.
- Groups need to be aware of the concerns about the environment effects of glyphosate based formulations or other products and how changes in the current regulations affect their use in and near aquatic environments.
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Disposal
Dispose of weeds responsibly, to reduce the risk of further spread. Some weeds can be left to decompose on the ground with their roots in the air providing they do not contain fruit or seed. Burying in soil to at least 1m depth is an effective method. However weeds which regrow from plant parts must be sealed in a bag and taken to the tip, or stacked and burnt in a hot fire.
Looking Ahead
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up weed removal is essential for several years until weed seed in soil is depleted. As you gradually extend your boundaries, discover regenerating indigenous plants, look back over your photos and see your progress, you will reap your reward. Good luck!
Replacement Plants
Contact DNRE staff and local indigenous nurseries for suggestions and the supply of replacement plants. A list of indigenous nurseries may be obtained from your regional Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator. Make sure you replant indigenous plants that are appropriate to the site. Remember follow-up weed removal until indigenous plants are well-established.
Further Information
For further advice on coastal weed management contact your local Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator.
References
A good starting point for finding references on environmental weeds is the Environmental Weed Resource Directory for Victoria. Prepared by K. Blood. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria, (1996).
Particularly useful books include:
- Blood, K., Cox, D. & Robinson, K. (1996) Coastal Weed Workshops. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.
- Bradley, J. (1998). Bringing Back the Bush. Lansdowne-Rigby, NSW
- Carr, G.W., Yugovic, J.V., Robinson, K.E. (1992). Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, & Ecological Horticulture Pty. Ltd. Melbourne.
- City of Frankston, Shire of Hastings, Shire of Mornington. Mornington Peninsula Pest Plants. City of Frankston, Shire of Hastings, Shire of Mornington
- Costermans, L. (1984). Native Trees and Shrubs of South-eastern Australia. Weldon Publishing, NSW.
- Eltham Pest Plant Advisory Subcommittee (1992). Weeds of our Bushland. Shire of Eltham, Melbourne.
- Landcare Notes: Pest Plant Control, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Keith Turnbull Research Institute, PP/011. Vic.
- Northcote City Council and Duggan, D. (1994). Weeds of Urban Waterways. Northcote City Council Parks and Gardens, & Yarra Bend Trust, Melbourne.
- Parsons, J.M. (1995). Australian Weed Control Handbook. Tenth Edition. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Parsons, W.T. & Cuthbertson, E.G. (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Regional Pest Plant Strategy Working Group (1991). Common Garden Plants that are Environmental Weeds in the Middle Yarra Region. Regional Pest Plant Strategy Working Group. Belgrave, Vic.
- Robertson, M. (1994). Stop Bushland Weeds. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia Inc., Adelaide.
- Walsh, N. & Entwhistle, T. (1996). Flora of Victoria. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
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The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
NOTE: The PDF for this document is unavailable.
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