Ekibin Creek Bushcare

Weed Rollup

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Sometimes, invasive weeds are so successful they paradoxically become vulnerable to convenient control measures. In this example, Para Grass (Urochloa mutica) has so successfully smothered other vegetation, that there are no barriers to just rolling it up.

This process entails workers starting with mattocks along a straight line at the edge of the Para Grass. Using a levering action, the grass can be rolled up just like a carpet. It helps to use more than mattock and roll a whole segment in just one operation. In this case two people working together can achieve much more than acting individually. Occasionally, a tenacious clump needs to be uprooted directly, but usually the individual grass plants are dislodged by the rolling. And, when the roll becomes too big, it can be just left to rot and compost itself.

"Weed rollup" can be used on other weed species. Lantana can be controlled this way, especially if it is controlled by rolling down a slope. Any remaining rooted stems can be dug out after the canopy has been removed by rolling. The nice thing about this technique is that it works best when the weed has been most successful (as long as seeds and regrowth are treated).

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