By Sara Brill, Biosecurity Specialist Northland Regional Council
“This time of year, a pink wave is spreading across the region in the form of the Taiwan cherry tree (Prunus campanulate). It blossoms just before bird nesting season, so native birds (especially tūī) can often be spotted flittering and flirting through the branches.
Because of its pretty flowers and attractiveness to native birds, many people don’t realise how bad this invasive weed truly is and the impact it can have on bird populations.
Protecting our native species from weeds requires a collective effort; if many individuals take action on their own land and come together in their neighbourhoods, we can prevent the region’s unique habitats and ecosystems from being overwhelmed and replaced by weeds like Taiwan cherry.
Taiwan cherry is most noticeable between July and September, when its pink and red bell-shaped flowers appear.
How to control it:
- For a large tree that is likely to fall on property when cut down: It’s best to get a qualified arborist to do the job for you as they have the skill to take down a big tree without damaging property. Make sure to treat the stump with glyphosate herbicide within five minutes of the tree being cut down.
- For a large tree that won’t fall on property or people: Drill holes the size of your pinkie finger around the base, a hand span apart. Use a small oil or spray bottle to fill the holes with undiluted glyphosate.
- For smaller trees: Cut and treat the stump with 25% glyphosate to 75% water or use a glyphosate gel paste.
Seedlings will keep coming up for a few years, so make sure to pull them out before they get too big.”
See the full article here.
