Weed Management in Pakenham Upper

Weed Management in Pakenham Upper: Local Conditions and What That Means for Your Property

Weed pressure in Pakenham Upper is driven by the combination of productive volcanic-influenced loam soils, dam and creek-line moisture corridors, and the pasture disturbance that follows slashing cycles. Blackberry is the priority woody weed, but serrated tussock and St John's wort are widespread on the drier rises and are notifiable weeds under Victorian legislation. Paterson's curse establishes on disturbed ground after any earth-moving or heavy slashing. Our approach is spot-spraying with selective herbicides where the weed load is contained, and broad-acre treatment programs where infestations are extensive. The latter typically requires multiple passes across a season to exhaust the soil seedbank. Fence lines are the most persistent re-infection source; clearing and treating them is most effective when done before the main spring germination flush.