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worksheets
use of hebricides | managing wood weeds | hand removal
of weeds | managing ground covers, vines & scramblers
Using Herbicides
Many of the weed control techniques suggested on this and the
following pages involve the use of herbicides. Herbicides are
poisons, and should be handled with the greatest respect.
They can be absorbed very easily through the skin, by breathing
the vapours, and by ingestion (eating or drinking).
By law, herbicides must be used strictly in accordance with the
manufacturer’s label. They should be kept well out of the reach of
children, preferably secured in a locked cabinet. They should always be
stored in the original labelled container.
Use of Herbicide: Safety Precautions
- Read the label before opening the container and follow
the instructions.
- Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants, sturdy
shoes, gloves, eye protection.
- Always wear waterproof gloves. A respirator is advised
when mixing or pouring the liquid.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while using herbicide. Keep
children and pets away.
- Wash skin and equipment afterwards. Wash contaminated
clothing separately.
- Clean up any spills with large amounts of water; shovel up
contaminated soil, dispose of it at the tip.
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Types of Herbicide
There are two widely used herbicides licensed for use at home:Glyphosate, sold under various trade names, including
Roundup® and Zero® (which have different concentrations), and Triclopyr, sold as Tree, Blackberry and Woody Weed
Killer (etc).
How Herbicides Work
Glyphosate is a systemic, non-selective herbicide. It inhibits the action of an enzyme, preventing the production of an
amino acid essential to plant life and growth. It must be applied to green leaves, or directly to the plant’s sapwood,
which lies under the bark.
Triclopyr is a selective systemic herbicide for woody and broadleaf plants. It is a growth inhibitor which moves to
the plant’s roots, stops growth, and eventually leads to the death of the plant. Triclopyr can be applied to green leaves
and to bark.
Herbicides, Waterways, and Steep Land
Some of the chemicals which are added to herbicides are not safe to use near waterways.They have the potential to
seriously affect the quality of aquatic ecosystems. If you need to remove weeds, particularly trees, within 20m of any
kind of watercourse, even a drain that runs only when it is raining, you must seek advice and assistance from your
local council’s environmental management department.
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