Yates Woody Weedkiller - Concentrate
Particularly effective weedkiller for woody scrub weeds, hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds and re-sprouting tree stumps.
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Ligustrum spp.
What is Privet?
Historically popular for use as a hedge plant, privets soon escaped from gardens: they have become widespread weeds on roadsides, waste ground and in regenerating bushland. Privets are found throughout the warmer parts of New Zealand.
In NZ, the privet species that cause the most problems are Tree Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) and Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense). Californian Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) and Common Privet (Ligustram vulgare) can also become invasive. They're all tall shrubs or small trees that spread by producing thousands of blue-black berries, that form after flowering. The berries are poisonous to humans and most animals, but birds can digest them - so privet seeds are widely dispersed by fruit-eating birds.
Privet seeds germinate very easily, growing into a carpet of seedlings around existing trees. Privets are very hardy and long-lived, so they can develop into large clumps that crowd out other plants and canopy trees.
Interestingly, privets are widely considered to aggravate hayfever and asthma symptoms but they don't actually produce wind-blown pollen (they're pollinated by insects).
How to Control Privet
Cut established trees down close to the ground, then immediately paint the cut stump with a solution of Yates Woody Weedkiller Concentrate, mixed at the label rate. Use a disposable chip brush and discard it afterwards in the household rubbish. Make sure to wear appropriate waterproof gloves and personal protective equipment for this job.
Watch carefully for re-growth. Spray any regrowth with Yates Woody Weedkiller, while it remains small.
Alternatively, to kill regrowth or privet seedlings you can apply Yates Zero Super Concentrate Weedkiller and add Yates Zero Pulse Penetrant into the mix before spraying. Zero Pulse Penetrant improves the spread, adhesion and absorption of weedkillers by waxy-leafed or hard-to-wet plants, allowing the weedkiller to work to its full potential.
Pro Tip: Trim back privet immediately after the flowers bloom to prevent a large proportion of the seeds from developing; this reduces future seedling density, making future control easier to manage.
Areas Impacted by Privet
- Gardens
- Waste Ground
- Roadsides
- Scrubland
- Regenerating Bush
Yates Zero Super Concentrate Weedkiller
An extremely effective, easy and economical way to control weeds and grasses. Kills weeds, roots and all.
Yates Zero Pulse Penetrant
Improves the penetration, spread and adhesion of Yates Zero Weedkillers on difficult to kill weeds with waxy or hard to wet surfaces.
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