Environmental weeds
Environmental weeds are plants introduced to areas of native vegetation, resulting in modification and damage to the natural area.
Weeds are a serious threat to native plants and animals within Canning. They compete with native plants for water, light and nutrients. They can also change the structural diversity of plant communities, which results in unfavourable habitats for native wildlife, and can lead to a higher fire risk.
Some of Canning's problematic weed species include:
- Carnation weed (Euphorbia terracina)
- Typha (Typha orientalis)
- Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris)
- Annual and Perennial Veldt Grass (Ehrharta longiflora and Ehrharta calycina)
- Wild Gladiolus (Gladiolus caryophyllaceus)
- Japanese Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)
Native plants can also become weeds due to mistreatment or because they are not in their normal habitat.
Treatment
The City’s Natural Areas team works with contractors and community groups to control weeds through:
- herbicide application
- hand weeding
- brush cutting
- excavation
- revegetation.
The City undertakes the majority of its weed control during winter and spring. When herbicides are being applied, yellow warning signs are displayed to notify the public of treatment areas.
City contractors and the Natural Areas team are trained in herbicide application, which ensures areas are treated effectively under the Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011. They also follow guidelines for the safe use of pesticides in non-agricultural workplaces.
Both selective and non-selective herbicides are used depending on the type of natural area, target weed and level of infestation.
How you can help
You can help to prevent the spread of weeds by:
- using native species in your garden
- controlling weeds on your own property
- disposing of garden waste in your green bin
- walking on designated footpaths in bushland areas.
For more information, download these brochures:
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