South coast weeds

The broad definition of a weed is a plant growing outside its natural environment that has some sort of adverse impact.

The majority of weeds are from overseas, but some native Australian plants can also become weeds within Australia. Whatever their origin, they spread when they arrive in an environment that is favourable to their growth. This is often because the weed has left natural pests and diseases behind when it moved to a new environment.

By finding out about weeds, how to identify them, and alternatives to plant, you can help to prevent the spread of weeds in your garden.

Find out about weeds

• Biosecurity matter (weeds)
  Weed invasion is a significant threat to some types of native vegetation. Find out the difference between declared weeds, environmental weeds, and why weeds matter.
• Weed-control at home
  Find out about different weed control methods, when to use herbicides and handbooks to help identify weeds.
• Common garden escapees
  Many environmental weeds have escaped from gardens into the bush. Find out which species to avoid, and what to plant instead.
• Native plants as weeds
  A 'native weed' may seem like a contradiction, but there is no difference in the impact made by a plant that gets out of a garden and into the bush, whether it comes from overseas or somewhere in Australia.
• Council weed control programs
  Council weed control programs aim to ensure that all Eurobodalla landholders can manage locally threatening weeds and meet their biosecurity requirements.

Weed identification

Our environment team can help you find out about a specific plant growing in your backyard - and whether it's a weed:

1. Take photos of the plant that capture:
   • the whole plant
   • close-ups of leaves, flowers, and any fruit or seed capsules present.
2. Email the photos to us: WeedID@esc.nsw.gov.au

You can also use NSW Weed Wise to help identify weeds by their characteristics.

More information

If you need more information about weeds, please contact Council's Invasive Species Supervisor, Paul Martin, on:

• T: 4474 1000
• E: Council