Tough, woody, invasive and noxious weeds can create a significant problem in the garden, as can unwanted trees, and the seedlings and suckers of trees. Many hard-to-kill weeds, such as Blackberries, Lantana and Privet, produce fruit that is eaten and spread by birds, leading to these weeds popping up unexpectedly in the garden.
To kill unwanted and actively growing trees such as camphor laurel, tree of heaven and wattles, use a specialised weed control product like Yates Tree & Blackberry Weed Killer. It can be sprayed or painted onto basal bark (bark up to 30 cm from the ground) or applied onto freshly cut stems or stumps within 15 cm of the ground.
Alternatively, cut the tree close to the ground and using a sprayer or clean paintbrush, soak the cut surface with a diluted solution (100 mL / L) of Yates Zero Weedkiller 490 g/L Super Concentrate.
It is very important that products are applied onto freshly cut stems or trunks.
Yates Tree & Blackberry Weed Killer is also an effective way of controlling unwanted woody weeds, tree seedlings and suckers. The active ingredient, triclopyr, is systemic and travels through the plant's system, killing it roots and all.
The warmer months are an ideal time to get problem trees and shrubs under control, while plants are in active growth.
Yates Tree & Blackberry Weed Killer controls a range of tough weed species like Blackberries, Sweet Briar, African Boxthorn, Olive and Privet; and woody weeds including Eucalyptus (except Dawson gum) and Wattle seedlings and suckers, Australian Blackthorn, Camphor Laurel, Castor Oil Plant, Chinese Apple, Groundsel Bush, Lantana, Tea Tree, Tree of Heaven, and Rubber Vine.
Basal Bark Spraying
For treatment of seedlings up to 5 cm diameter (up to 10 cm for Camphor Laurel, Groundsel Bushes and Privet), spray or paint bark and stems from the ground to a height of 30 cm. Old rough bark may require more thorough spraying than young smooth bark. Drilling 2 cm holes or axe wounding trees helps penetration of the product.
Foliar Spray
Yates Tree & Blackberry Weed Killer can be used as a foliar spray to control woody weeds like blackberries, camphor laurel seedlings, gorse, wattles and groundsel bush. Apply during active growth and wet all foliage and stems thoroughly. Use the higher application rate on the label for older gorse bushes, tall wattles and groundsel bushes.
Cut Stump Treatment
For treatment of suckers and seedlings more than 5 cm in basal diameter, cut stems or trunks to within 15 cm of the ground. Apply liberally by spraying or painting on to freshly cut surfaces. Do not treat Australian Blackthorn during the dormant period.
Some plants have invasive roots, while others are only invasive in specific situations where there is limited space and/or water.
There are clumping, and running Bamboo varieties. Clumping Bamboo grows close to the point of origin and slowly spreads over time, whereas running Bamboo spreads quickly in a horizontal direction.
Tiger Grass is not a Bamboo, but will give the same look - these are clumping plants that only grow 2-3 m and are ideal for all gardens large and small.
For control of Bamboo, use Yates Zero Weedkiller 490 g/L Super Concentrate. Either cut stems to ground level and spray the re-growth when 1 m high or cut stems back to 20 cm high and pour the diluted mixture down the hollow stem or paint the freshly cut stem.
Fig trees, Liquiambars, and London Plane Trees can be invasive as their roots are very strong, fast-growing and quickly seek out water. These trees are best suited for large gardens where there is plenty of space to grow.
Trees that grow new plants from their roots are called suckering trees. Examples include Jacaranda, Camphor Laurel, Robinias, Gleditsia, and Poplars which can be a nuisance when you want to keep a tree contained.
