Weeds outcompete native plants, depriving us native birds and the bees of important food sources.

The worst offending weeds

	Moth plant
	Yellow/Kahili Ginger
	Climbing Asparagus

How to control these weeds

1. Identify the weeds to make sure you’re removing the right type of plant. Check out the Pest Plant search.

2. Remove weeds using one of the below methods:

   1. Dig out the plant close to the ground, including the root system

   2. Hand-pull the tree or vine when the ground is wet or damp

   3. Cut the vine and treat the stump with herbicide paste (follow instructions and wear protective gear)

3. Dispose of weeds carefully to avoid further germination – see how you can dispose of weeds here

4. If your weeding leaves the ground bare, replant the area with natives or cover it with mulch as soon as possible to restrict weeds from coming back.

Handy tips

• If your neighbours also have weeds, it’s more effective to work together.

• Work from areas of low to high weed density

• Restrict the weeds to a specific area and then work on reducing that area.

• A good layer of mulch or leaf litter on the ground after weeding will encourage worms and insects for us birds to eat.

• If you’re working near a waterway, start at the top and work in the direction the water is flowing.

If you want to learn more about how you can save our backyard bird song visit Auckland Council’s new website Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau | Conservation Auckland.

Thanks for helping us native birds by making your backyard a pest-free haven.