How to Remove Lantana Effectively

Written By Mitchell McLeod

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a difficult and extremely common invasive weed in South-East Queensland (SEQ). It forms dense thickets, outcompetes many native plants, increases fire risk and spreads by quickly. So early action, an integrated approach and persistent follow-up is essential if you want to effectively control and remove the lantana on your acreage property..

Why you should control and remove lantana on your SEQ property

Lantana can reduce biodiversity, smother native seedlings and increase fuel loads for bushfire. It reproduces by seed (birds spread berries) and by root and stem fragments, so partial removal without correct disposal often makes the problem worse. For these reasons, the priority is prevent spread, reduce seed set, and revegetate with natives after removal.

Step-by-step lantana removal & control plan

1. Map and prioritise (survey your site)

Walk your property and mark lantana patches: isolate small infestations (easy wins), prioritise waterways and boundaries (to stop spread), and identify big thickets needing staged control. Prioritise areas where natives are recovering or where wildlife corridors exist. Local councils and Land for Wildlife/Landcare programs can help you identify priority patches. You may be able to access fundind through a local or state govenment grant program.

2. Choose an integrated method — mechanical + chemical + revegetation

No single method eradicates lantana permanently. Combine approaches: manual removal for small plants, mechanical clearing for thickets, targeted herbicide for regrowth and cut-and-paint or stem injection for large stems. After removal, replant native species to prevent reinvasion. The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries recommends integrated control tailored to infestation size and location.

3. Manual & mechanical control (when to dig, pull or bulldoze)

  • Hand pulling / digging: works for seedlings and small plants when soil is moist. Remove the root crown; avoid leaving fragments.

  • Slashing / mulching: useful to open up thick stands, but will not kill roots — always follow up with herbicide or re-treatment.

  • Mechanical removal / excavation: for heavy infestations consider a bobcat or excavator; however, moving soil and root fragments can spread lantana, so clean machinery and dispose of material carefully. Many local councils advise cleaning equipment to prevent weed spread. Also, invasive weeds thrive on soil disturbance activities (e.g. a big heavy bulldozer through your forest!). We find heavy machinery removal is rarely effective at long-term effective control of lantana on SEQ properties. Maintenance and follow-up is key!

4. Chemical control (how to spray safely and effectively)

Herbicides can be an effective tool at achieving long-term control of lantana. However, they aren’t neceessary. You can achieve controla and removal of lantana from property without the use of herbicides. If you are going to use herbicides, common methods include:

  • Foliar spraying: for small to medium patches — use a registered herbicide for lantana and follow label directions.

  • Cut-and-paint / cut-and-drill: cut the stem and immediately apply herbicide to the cut surface — effective for large stems and minimises off-target spray. This is our favoured method in 99% of scenarios - it balances the very real threat of off-target damage (e.g. overspraying and killing a native plant), the impact of herbicides on the environment, and the understandble desire from landowners to effectively control and remove lantana from their properties. This approach is highly-targeted.

  • Stem injection: for large woody stems in sensitive areas (e.g., near desirable trees). Always use chemicals registered for lantana, wear PPE, and follow label instructions.

5. Follow-up and monitoring (the long game)

Lantana control is ongoing. Expect to re-treat regrowth for several years: seedlings from the seedbank can germinate after canopy opening. Schedule follow-up inspections (seasonally for 2–3 years) and plan follow-up spot-sprays or hand weeding. Revegetation with a suite of endemic species reduces sunlight and competition space for lantana seedlings. Lantana, like all invasive weeds, thrive on soil disturbance. Try to limit the use of heavy equipment in your project area, reduce grazing pressure from livestock and avoid work when its wet.

Legal & council considerations in SEQ (permits, obligations and local support)

  • Biosecurity obligations: Many SEQ councils remind landowners they have a general obligation to manage weeds on their land. Some councils have been known to issue vegetation management / weed removal directives to landowners.

  • Local programs & grants: Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Logan and other councils run environmental grants, Bushcare groups and Land for Wildlife-style support to help landholders remove lantana and revegetate. Check your council’s environmental programs and apply for assistance or training.

Best practice tips for property ownersd

  • Start small: tackle edges and boundaries first to reduce spread.

  • Clean equipment: wash boots, chainsaws and excavators to stop moving root fragments.

  • Record treatments: take photos and notes so you can track what worked.

  • Use professionals for big jobs: licensed contractors with herbicide skills and correct machinery can be more efficient and safer for large infestations. We can help!

When to seek help: council, Landcare, Bushcare & contractors

If the lantana is widespread, on steep terrain, or near waterways, contact your local council’s biosecurity or environment team for advice and local regulations. For safety and speed, a licensed contractor experienced with lantana control is often the best route for thick infestations.

Quick summary — 8-point checklist for lantana removal

  1. Map lantana infestations on your property and prioritise for removal and control

  2. Start with small patches of lantana and boundaries.

  3. Use integrated control: mechanical + chemical + revegetation.

  4. Apply registered herbicide techniques (foliar, cut-and-paint, stem injection). Not necessary but it can be helpful.

  5. Replant natives to prevent reinvasion. Reduce soil disturbance.

  6. Monitor and re-treat for several years.

  7. Seek help or funding grants from your local council, a bush regeneration contractor or your local landcare/bushcare volunteer community.

Sources & further reading (selected)

Mitchell McLeod
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