Last week I mentioned that willows cause erosion, and that they spread by seed and stem fragments.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both methods have been very effective in creating thickets of willows along banks and even in the middle of creeks and wet land areas, with massive amounts suffocating the native plants and stopping them from growing.
So not only are they damaging the river banks, they are creating poor habitats for our native animals, including the ones in the water.
The thick shade we like in summer doesn’t provide the ground with enough light to stimulate productive growth in the water, and as a deciduous tree, in winter willows drop all their leaves ... straight into the water below. There they help block the water course, suffocate the animals and overall create poor water quality.
Willows occupy thousands of kilometres of streams and wetland areas nationally, costing the government millions of dollars each year in control, around $2 million annually in Victoria alone.
We can’t pull them out, as that would cause more erosion and they spread so fast and easily.
The most common method is to cut saplings or trees down and then apply a chemical herbicide to poison the tree and stop it growing back. However, they can reshoot and require constant re-treatment.
For this reason, three- to five-year willow treatment plans are made, usually alternating the periods and location of willow removal, but also revegetation of native plants, ensuring we’re not destroying current animal habitats and leaving space bare for either re-infestation of willows or other weeds.
It’s a time-consuming process, but we can try to keep the surrounding environment in its best condition, without causing unnecessary damage, and not letting the invasion get worse.
If you’re looking for a good example of willow control, visit Castle Creek in West Wodonga where the Green Army recently spent months removing willow and re-planting natives to help improve the area.
Diary
Kitchen Gardening at Wodonga TAFE. Develop a sustainable veggie patch when you learn about companion planting, composting, recycling and pest management without the dangerous chemicals.
Held in three sessions on October 9, 16 and 23 between 9.30am and 12.30pm, cost is $250.
For more information call Wodonga TAFE on 1300 MY TAFE (1300 698 233) or apply online at www.wodongatafe.edu.au/courses/NA10W2SKG/Kitchen-Gardening