Do not plant athel pine
Athel pine is difficult and expensive to control when it escapes cultivation and becomes naturalised. To prevent its further spread, it should not be planted.
Target upstream infestations first…
As athel pine tends to spread downstream, upper catchment infestations should be targeted for control and eradication. Control should then focus on downstream infestations and isolated shade trees away from watercourses.
Using mechanical and chemical control
Heavy infestations of mature athel pine can be controlled by combining mechanical and chemical control:
- Mechanical control has been used most extensively on the Finke River, where bulldozers are used to remove trees and roots.
- Two main chemical control methods (frilling and cut-stump) are effective especially when stems are treated immediately. Use only registered herbicides and follow instructions on the label.
Seedlings can be easily removed by hand or sprayed with a registered herbicide if there is no risk to other species.
Take care near waterways
Care must be taken when treating athel pine alongside rivers and in riverbeds:
- Mechanical control can impact on non-target species, especially when heavy machinery is used. Additionally, any soil disturbance can actually promote weed species and/or contribute to erosion.
- Chemicals can also affect non-target species and be washed into waterways.
Ongoing follow-up is required
Follow-up control will be required to treat plants that survive initial treatment. As athel pine shoots readily from vegetative material, it can quickly re-establish itself if left unchecked. Athel pine was traditionally planted around homesteads for shade.
Control Options
Legislation
It is illegal to introduce athel pine into the Northern Territory, and its spread must be controlled by landholders in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Its status as a weed is under consideration in other states, notably New South Wales and Western Australia. Check with your local council or state/territory government agency about the latest requirements for athel pine control.
Aknowlegments
Information and guide revision: John Gavin (NT DIPE), Richard Carter (NSW Dept of Agriculture/Weeds CRC), Philip Maher (Qld DNRM), Damian Collopy, John Peirce and John Stretch (WA Dept of Agriculture), Les Tanner (North West Weeds County Council) and John Thorp (National Weeds Management Facilitator). Maps: Australian Weeds Committee. Although tamarisks have been planted to control erosion, especially in highly saline soils, this practice is now discouraged. Bulldozers of at least 200 hp are required to pull large blade ploughs.
