FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I plan Lantana removal?
Lantana is certainly an ecological and aesthetic eyesore and clearing lantana can be therapeutic to the ecosystem and yourself!
However, planning is essential – if not careful you can actually create more problems. Before removal consider how much area you plan to tackle and how much effort you want to spend.
- Avoid opening large areas by cutting all at once. Lantana is often an important habitat for birds and other animals. Planning after the spring, or to cut sections (mosaic approach) is a great way to begin.
- Exposing the ground can cause infestations of even more difficult invasive weeds to take over. To prevent you can mulch or weed; prepare for repeated maintenance.
- Revegetation, particularly native trees and fast growing ground cover, is a fantastic option as the plants will create shade which discourages invasive growth. One method is to cut openings into the Lantana and plant fast growing trees that would naturally occur in the area.
Always remember it is critical to gain need permissions from the property owner or manager to work on the land.
How do I clear Lantana?
Without seeing the site it’s hard to recommend the best strategy, but overall it’s about getting to the stump. Lantana is prolific and will reshoot without any above ground foliage. Removal or poisoning are the most effective methods.
If tackling yourself normally you would start weeding in the areas where other plants will grow easily (usually native species depending on the seed bank) or at the top of a hill so that you can roll the cut Lantana gradually down a slope (undesirable if there is a creek is at the bottom of the slope). This cut and roll method can also be used to create a barrier.
Depending on the type of soil or the slope, it might be possible to pull the stump or whole plant out especially if it’s small. Be aware that this can destabilise the soil and contribute to erosion, particularly on creek banks. Larger Lantana plants can be effectively controlled with chemicals.
Fortunately, pruned branches or leaves can be directly left or cut up to help mulch the area!
You could also contact a local Bush Regeneration company who can assess the infestation and recommend the best controls. They can also do the work, but generally there would be chemical use, either spraying or more commonly, cutting the base of the stems and applying glyphosate to the stump.
The creek behind my property is overgrown and needs to be cleared
Your first call should be to your local council. They are responsible for waterways and will need to log a request. Often the local council will already be aware of the issue, but it’s best to speak to them about it.
If you would like to help maintain the area, you might consider forming a local Bushcare/Landcare group, but you will need permission from the land manager (usually Council).
How do I join a group?
Have a look at our website for local groups, however, in the Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas, most of the groups are run by council Bushcare programs. See:
https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/my-community/get-involved/volunteering/bushcare/bushcare-groups
https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/environment/caring-bushland
Is there a way for young people to get more involved?
There is also Intrepid Landcare which caters to people between the ages of 17-35 and incorporates other activities as well as helping out various established Landcare groups. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=Illawarra%20Intrepid%20Landcare
Do I need training?
There is no special training required, all you need is enthusiasm. The group coordinator will discuss safety requirements and you’ll learn by doing. Just remember to wear long pants, long sleeves, covered shoes, gloves and a hat. A bottle of water is a good idea as well.
How much time do I need to commit?
Whether it is 15min or 15 hours, every little bit helps! Most groups meet monthly, but some meet more frequently. It’s up to you, joining a group doesn’t mean you have to be there every time. You can join more than one group if you really want to get really involved. We also hold events that you will be invited to as a Landcare member.
Do you have any social media I can keep up to date on?
Facebook @landcareillawarra
Instagram landcareill
Where can I buy local native plants?
Landcare Illawarra is affiliated with a network of local nurseries who supply our community groups. These are also available to Landcare members for restoration projects at rock-bottom prices.
contact
PO Box 349
Albion Park
NSW 2527
coordinator@landcareillawarra.org.au
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