Weed Control Handbook

Description

A weed is a plant growing where it's not wanted. Invasive weeds are an increasing problem in New Zealand with individual species variously affecting agriculture, health, recreational areas and industry. Many of the invasive weeds causing environmental damage start off as ornamental plants in gardens, and become a problem when they 'jump the fence'. In this handbook, garden weeds that are a distinct nuisance to gardeners are examined first, and then the book moves on to target those weeds that threaten our native ecosystems - and yet are quite familiar to most gardeners. Two and sometimes three photographs identify each weedy plant and clear concise headings urge readers to Know it, Understand it, Control it and Replace it. The book divides weeds into herbs, grasses, vines, shrubs and trees with clear technical guidelines regarding the use of herbicides and the disposal of weed waste.

Weedbusters New Zealand is an interagency group with representatives from the Department of Conservation, Regional Government Biosecurity Managers Group, Biosecurity New Zealand, Nursery and Garden Industry Association and Federated Farmers NZ. The organisation has a weeds awareness programme designed to protect the New Zealand environment. Working with New Holland Publishers, Weedbusters has compiled the text and photographs this book, aimed at the home gardener but of equal use to regional councils, DOC staff and rangers.