This video was sourced from Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare

Before you start, ensure:

• you have the right safety equipment
• the weather conditions are good
• all pets and children are safely away from the treatment area
• you have read and heeded all herbicide labels and equipment manuals

The equipment you will need is:

• hat, safety eyewear, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, covered footwear
• chemical resistant gloves, face shield, mask, impervious apron
• a drill or small axe or chisel and hammer or machete
• herbicide, a calibrated syringe or spot gun and a measuring container

Herbicide mixing

Estimate the amount of mixture you will need - be conservative. It is easier to mix up more herbicide than it is to dispose of excess mixture.

Measure out the required amount of herbicide and add it to the container. The mixture rate will be on the label and is usually in the range of 1:1 - 1:4.

Seal all containers and agitate the mixture with a paint brush.

Cut the bark

The stem injection can be made at a convenient height. Using a drill or small axe or chisel and hammer or machete, cut downward at an angle of 45 degrees through the bark to the sap wood.

Apply herbicide

Immediately roll the back of the blade downward opening up a pocket in which to apply the herbicide mixture. Pockets must penetrate the trunk to a depth which reaches the sapwood and they must be angled downwards to enable the herbicide to pool. Take care not to overfill the holes.

Ensure the treated area is not disturbed for 24 hours to allow herbicide uptake.

Treat all around the trunk

Treat each stem of the plant with cuts every 7.5 centimetres around the trunk's entire circumference. The idea is to create two rows of pockets around the tree (one slightly higher, the next row lower and offset from the first).

Clean up

The best way to dispose of any herbicide is to use it up as per label instructions until the product is gone. Any left over mixture should be used up on target weeds.

Never pour the product down the sink or storm drain as it can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life.

All equipment and empty containers should be triple rinsed to remove all traces of herbicide. Use the rinse water from containers on target weeds.

More information

For more information send an email to the Invasive species team.