Invasive-Specie-Skid-Steer-Mulcher

INVASIVE SPECIES & WEED CONTROL

Invasive species and weeds can threaten the environment, biodiversity and productivity of land as well as significantly impact industry. Envirotrim have successfully worked with conservation groups, government and land owners reduce the threat of, and control invasive species and weeds. 

Envirotrim generally recommend mechanical removal of vegetation with spraying being the follow up/post activity, if required. Pre spraying gorse can be time and financially consuming. Spraying post mulching gives you better access to areas resulting in better kill rate and less use of chemical on your valuable land.  

With the increase in herbicide resistant weeds in Australia, Envirotrim’s approach can assist in rejuvenating environments with minimal, or no, chemical use. 

Envirotrim can assist you with the control of invasive species and weeds such as; Gorse, Blackberry, Olive, Broom, Fennel, Artichoke, Mustard Weed, Bamboo, all grasses, reeds, Box thorn, Paradoxa, Woody Weed, Poplar and more.  

For land enhancement and rehabilitation contact us with any questions.

The three stages of the control of invasive species and weeds

  • 1. Mulching of vegetation in-situ
  • 2. Area cleared
  • Regrowth ready to be sprayed

Spraying vs Mulching as a primary activity in the control of invasive species and weeds

Spraying

  • Leaves dead material in situ
  • Takes years to break down
  • Doesn’t give you your land area back immediately
  • Volume of chemical is much greater
  • Create a fire hazard through dead material left in situ
  • Aesthetically unappealing
  • Cannot penetrate into a stand of thorny varieties so only the edges become in contact with spray.

Mulching

  • Results in obtaining land back instantly
  • Uses far less chemical in follow up spray, where required
  • All regrowth accessible – so your chemical contact with specie is far greater
  • Cost effective as this is a dual part process vs countless spraying events to penetrate dense stands
  • Reduced fire risk through mulching of vegetation in situ
  • Light blanket of mulch will assist in pasture regeneration as it hinders native fauna and stock grazing new growth.

Envirotrim has been involved in many land and water course rehabilitation projects as well as clearance to rejuvenate grazing land on rural properties, clearance under powerlines as well as gaining access through infested areas, along fence lines and the effective removal of gorse, blackberry, olives and other invasive species.

Machinery is specifically designed for difficult to access locations such as gorges, steep embankments and creek lines.

Declared Pest Plants & Land Owners Legal Responsibility 

The Natural Resources website hosts considerable information in relation to “pest plants” and the land owners legal responsibility surrounding pest plants. This responsibility of land owners includes controlling and destroying declared weeds. Refer here for a link to all declared plants (PIRSA).  

Gorse

Gorse is one of the main weeds we are asked to assist in controlling or removing from land. Gorse is an invasive, introduced plant which was introduced to Australia predominately to act as a hedge/fence. Gorse spreads through seeds and if left uncontrolled, will infest pasture and takeover native vegetation. Grazing stock can easily eat and consume young shoots. However, mature gorse is not palatable. Envirotrim’s mechanical approach to removing gorse may result in young seedlings regrowing after mechanical removal. However, these seedlings are often eaten by grazing stock, or can much more easily be killed through spraying.  

The most cost-effective methods of managing gorse is through control of young infestation.  

 We recommend the NRM website for valuable information and detail on Gorse, and other “pest plant” management in South Australia 

  • Hillside cleanup - before
  • Hillside cleanup - after