Weed Management in Guys Hill

Weed Management in Guys Hill: Local Conditions and What That Means for Your Property

Weed pressure in Guys Hill follows the ecology of a peri-urban lifestyle block corridor adjacent to a significant riparian reserve. Blackberry is the headline species. It is recognised as a Weed of National Significance and features prominently in the Cardinia Environment Coalition's management priorities for the Guys Hill Reserve. On private blocks it advances from the creek corridor boundary and from any disturbed ground. A sustained program of slash-and-spray is required; single-application treatments rarely hold through the following spring. Pasture weeds are a separate category: cape weed (Arctotheca calendula), dock (Rumex species), and thistles, including Scotch and variegated thistle, establish readily in any bare or compacted paddock section. Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) is widespread in the lower wet areas and while it has some pasture value, it spreads aggressively into remnant native grassland if left unchecked and forms unpalatable dense stands on horse blocks. Serrated tussock is a periodic concern. Properties adjacent to road reserves carrying the grass need to monitor their boundaries, as the fine seed is wind-dispersed over considerable distances. Kikuyu in the lawn areas around homesteads is generally manageable with regular mowing, but it invades garden beds where it becomes difficult to eradicate without soil disturbance. We apply herbicides under a Victorian-compliant regime and keep records for properties wanting documentation for Cardinia Shire land management obligations or Melbourne Water waterway management notices.