Significant areas of native bushland have been degraded by garden escapees like privet and lantana, and weeds are said to cost Australia $4 billion a year in lost production.


What to do:
Contain garden plants within your boundaries, remove weeds as they appear, and trim seed heads from potentially invasive species.

Soft-stemmed weeds, like asthma weed, can be pulled out by hand. Grasp them at the base so you extract the whole root. Weeds with bulbous roots, like oxalis or asparagus fern, should be sprayed with the systemic herbicide glyphosate. Pulling them releases bulbs into the soil.

Woody weeds like privet and lantana can be dug out if they're small. Cut down larger shrubs to a stump and paint the fresh cut with glyphosate (sold as Roundup or Zero). Spray any subsequent regrowth.

Trim vigorous climbing plants like English ivy or creeping fig. If they escape onto trees or roofs, physical removal is the only option.

Control free-seeding plants, such as agapanthus, by cutting back the entire stalk once blooming ends. For more info, visit www.weeds.org.au