METHODS WE USE

 

Our preferred method for removal of Willow infestation, and other invasive species from creeks and rivers is as follows:

  • Manually cut trees to just above water level with chainsaws
  • Hand paint herbicide to exposed cut areas of trees
  • Lift cut wood and debris out of creek with grabs attached to excavator
  • WoodChip tree crowns and small timber. Stock pile remaining large logs in a cleared area.
  • Burn off stockpiles of debris or cartage to another location (where required)
  • Reinstate area and spray any remaining weeds.
  • Replant area with native species.

We have found this method to be most suitable for effective river rehabilitation.

As willows spread through vegetative means, it is most important to remove as much of the tree from the watercourse as possible to minimise further reinfestation downstream.

We have experimented with shim cutters and larger excavators and found that the "Crash & Rip" method used by these machines causes too much debris to remain in the waterway, creating problems later on.

We have found that the use of lighter weight machines causes less environmental impact on the banks as disturbance to soil and native grasses and vegetation is minimised.

Also by manually cutting trees we can be selective in what is removed, allowing for native species, for the most part to be left undisturbed. By allowing existing native trees and grasses to remain, erosion problems are significantly diminished.