It is important to identify weed infestations properly and to choose the most appropriate method of control whilst taking into account the costs of control and the potential environmental impacts. Use non-chemical control methods wherever they are practical and likely to be effective.

Note: when using herbicide to control weeds the user has a legal obligation to read the herbicide manufacturer's label and apply the herbicide in accordance with that label. Responsible use of herbicides protects human health and the natural environment.

Hand pull

• Remove and bag seed heads and flowers.
• Grasp the plant firmly from the base of the stem.
• Gently pull the plant out with constant pressure.
• Shake off any excess dirt attached to the roots.

Cut and paint

• Cut the stem as near to the ground as possible, leaving a horizontal surface so the herbicide does not run off.
• Within 30 seconds of cutting the stem, paint herbicide evenly across the whole surface of the open wounds.
• Make sure that each stem has been treated in the same way.

Scrape and paint

• Scrape a vertical section of the bark off both sides of the stem (with a sharp knife) approximately five centimetres in length, near the ground, without ringbarking the plant.
• Apply herbicide on the open wound (as per the cut and paint method).
• Make sure that each stem has been treated in the same way.

Foliar spray

• Spray designated areas using a herbicide.
• Make sure that when spraying the whole plant is treated.
• Only spray healthy actively growing plants.
• Do not spray in windy conditions; do not spray plants heavy with dew, and do not spray if rain is expected in the next four hours.