Invasive weed control: getting the best results

Alternatives can include preventing the plants becoming a problem in the first place. For example, by following good site biosecurity/hygiene measures and/or by practising good cultural techniques.

Integrated Weed Management (IWM) systems can also be used to reduce pesticide use when we need to undertake management. While herbicides will often be a large component of many weed management projects, IWM approaches can reduce our overall pesticide use through the use of alternative control methods in place of herbicides.

For example, some annual invasive plants such as Himalayan balsam can be managed effectively by cutting over smaller areas. In contrast, long-lived perennial invasive plants such as Montbretia need to be controlled with specific herbicides at particular times of the year – other control methods simply do not work and will spread the plant further (e.g. cutting).

Herbicides remain essential for invasive weed management and in some circumstances, there are no viable alternatives.

Herbicides, when used correctly are safe – they have been tested for many years and, in most cases are much safer and more environmentally friendly (sustainable) than alternatives such as burning. They are also cheaper, meaning that we can do more work to bring the invasive weed population under good control in a shorter amount of time.

When you do use herbicides, always use them safely and correctly, according to the label instructions. In most situations, applying more herbicide will not improve your weed management results – use the right product at the right time, and at the correct application rate to improve the outcome.

Think ‘doing more with less’ – this has the added benefit of reducing your costs.

If you don’t have have City & Guilds NPTC training and qualifications to apply herbicides safely and correctly, contact a contractor who holds the appropriate certifications.

Where possible, look for contractors who hold The Amenity Standard, as their staff will be appropriately qualified to undertake invasive weed management.