WEED FREE 2016 | Page 8

pg . 6
NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
CONTROLLING YOUR WEEDS
CONTROLLING YOUR WEEDS
Weeds should be controlled as soon as possible to prevent further spread . It is impossible to stop every weed from being introduced , but effective containment methods will help reduce the spread to neighboring properties .
It ’ s important to control weeds at an early stage rather than waiting for them to become well established . For every year that weeds are left untreated , management costs increase by one third .
Effective pest management requires a long-term commitment from the community , industry groups , and government .
A one-off treatment will be initially effective , but depending on the age of the infestation , it may actually lead to a larger problem the following year due to persistent seed banks . However , treating the secondary infestation after the seed bank germinates but before it reseeds has been shown to significantly reduce the overall problem . A single treatment is rarely sufficient for weed control on a large scale , and follow-up control is recommended .
WHERE TO BEGIN ?
Note : Some weeds can be toxic so it is important to identify these and wear appropriate clothing .
The following steps are recognised principles for killing weeds :
• Identify the source of the infestation .
• Eliminate light infestations first , and then heavy infestations .
• Integrate several control methods .
• Coordinate with neighbouring landholders .
• Ensure the infestation is contained to prevent any spreading .