When to Spray, Slash, Plant or Be Patient Choosing the Right Weed Control Method for Your Scenic Rim Property
Invasive weeds eeds are a big problem for Scenic Rim landowners. They can take over paddocks, creeks, and bushland, making it harder to grow healthy pasture or native plants. Some weeds, like Lantana, Cat’s Claw Creeper, and Giant Rat’s Tail Grass, spread quickly and don’t go away easily.
Whether you own a small acreage or a large farm in the Scenic Rim, you’ll need a clear plan to keep weeds under control.
There are a few main ways to deal with weeds: spraying, slashing, removal, planting and being patient! Each method works best in different situations. This guide will help you understand when to use each one.
1. Spray – Target the Tough Ones
What is it?
Spraying uses herbicide to kill weeds. You can use a backpack sprayer, hose, or a vehicle-mounted unit, depending on the size of the area.
Best for:
Weeds like Lantana or Chinese Elm
Spot-spraying small patches
Follow-up after slashing or hand removal
Pros:
Targeted and cost-effective
Good for hilly or hard-to-reach areas
Can treat stubborn regrowth
Cons:
Needs dry weather to work properly
Can harm nearby plants if not used carefully.
Always requires follow-up
Quick Tip:
Use dye in the spray to see where you’ve treated. Always read the herbicide label and follow directions.
2. Slash – Knock Them Down Fast
What is it?
Slashing cuts weeds down close to the ground using a mower, brush cutter or slasher.
Best for:
Tall grass or dense weeds
Clearing firebreaks or access tracks
Managing paddocks
Pros:
Quick for large areas
Makes it easier to move around
Useful before spraying or planting
Cons:
Doesn’t kill the roots
Weeds will regrow unless followed up
Can spread seeds if not timed well
Quick Tip:
Slash before weeds flower or go to seed. Always follow up with spraying or planting to stop them coming back.
3. Remove – Take It Out by Hand or Machine
What is it?
Physical removal means digging, pulling, or cutting weeds out of the ground. This works well for small infestations or woody weeds like Lantana.
Best for:
Isolated patches of weeds
Clearing along fencelines, creeks, and tracks
Sensitive areas where spray is not safe such as near creeks, rivers or dams.
Pros:
Removes roots, not just the leaves
No chemicals needed
Good for bushland or riparian zones
Cons:
Hard work, especially for large areas
Can disturb the soil
Needs ongoing monitoring
Quick Tip:
For woody weeds, cut at the base and treat the stump with herbicide to stop regrowth.
4. Plant – Grow the Good Stuff
What is it?
Once weeds are under control, planting helps fill the gaps with useful or native plants. These good plants outcompete weeds over time by covering the soil.
Best for:
Areas cleared of weeds
Creeks, gullies, and slopes
Replanting paddocks or bushland
Pros:
Long-term solution
Improves soil and supports wildlife
Helps prevent erosion
Cons:
Takes time and care to establish
Needs weed control during early growth
Watering and mulching may be needed
Quick Tip:
Choose local native species or well-suited pasture grasses. Mulch well to reduce weeds during establishment.
5. Be Patient – Control Takes Time
What is it?
Weed control is not a one-time job. Most weeds need follow-up treatments over months or even years. Sometimes the first try won’t work — that’s normal.
Best for:
Any landowner wanting real, lasting change
Anyone dealing with long-established weed problems
Restoring land after clearing
Pros:
Encourages long-term thinking
Helps you plan ahead
Works well with other methods
Cons:
Can feel slow
Requires persistence
Quick Tip:
Track your progress with photos and notes. Celebrate small wins — even reducing one patch of weeds is a great start.
Reduce Ground Disturbance – Stop Weeds Before They Start
One of the main reasons weeds take over is soil disturbance. When the ground is bare, broken, or compacted, weed seeds have the perfect chance to grow. You can’t always control big things like fire or flood — but you can manage how much the land is disturbed by your day-to-day activities.
Here are some easy ways to reduce ground disturbance on your property:
🚜 Watch Where You Drive
Limit vehicle use on soft or wet ground.
Stick to set tracks to avoid creating ruts where water and weeds collect.
🐄 Manage Livestock Movement
Use gates, fences, or laneways to stop animals from trampling sensitive creek banks or bush areas.
Rotate grazing to avoid overgrazing and bare patches.
💧 Protect Creeks and Gullies
Keep heavy equipment out of waterways where possible.
Plant natives on banks to reduce erosion and weed invasion.
🕳️ Be Smart About Digging
When digging trenches, removing trees, or building tracks, plan ahead.
Disturbed soil is like a welcome mat for weeds — follow up with mulching or planting to cover bare ground quickly.
Even small changes can make a big difference over time. The less bare ground, the fewer weeds you’ll be fighting next season.
Need a Hand?
At Cambium Land Management, we help property owners across the Scenic Rim with:
Whether you’re managing a paddock, protecting a creek, or restoring habitat, we’re here to help.
Weed control is a journey, not a quick fix. With the right tools, some smart planning, and a bit of patience, you can take back your land — one weed patch at a time.
