Weed management

Weed management methods

We use a range of methods to manage weeds across our parks, gardens and reserves depending on the location and types of weeds present.

We rely on a combination of mechanical and chemical methods to reduce weed growth in our parks, sportsgrounds, open spaces and garden beds.

We use herbicides (including spot treatments) in areas such as:

garden beds
pathways
around trees and signposts
along fences
bluestone kerbs, channels and laneways
biodiversity zones
parks
sportsgrounds
Freeway Golf Course.

We use mechanical methods (like steaming or hand weeding) in areas such as:

playgrounds
childcare centres
wetlands
sensitive biodiversity zones
other areas where herbicide use is not recommended.

Use of herbicides

We use targeted spraying to control weeds in these large or hard-to-reach areas. Trained contractors apply herbicide directly to the weeds to reduce the amount of chemical used.

Glyphosate is the main product used, but we also trial organic and plant-based options where suitable. Spraying only happens in safe weather conditions and follows strict safety rules

We always follow best practice and apply the product in line with the product and label guidelines to ensure our community and staff are safe.

All herbicides we use are considered safe when used according to their guidelines and are regulated by the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994.

Minimising exposure

We minimise exposure to our community and staff by:

informing our community about spraying programs before and during herbicide application by placing signage near the spray sites
providing a letter box drop to properties in the immediate vicinity of the spraying area for sportsgrounds and large reserves
wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during preparation and application
applying the product in accordance with the product’s safety data sheet
ensuring a second staff member is present when spraying larger sportsground areas to advise the public
ensuring pressurised spraying (like knapsack spraying) occurs when wind speed is between 3 and 15km/h for most spraying operations
avoiding pressurised spraying (like knapsack spraying) when it’s likely to rain, is raining, or when areas are wet
maintaining accurate records of where herbicide has been applied.

Indigenous grasslands weed management trial

We’re trialling a new weed management method, known as weed scorching at Beckett Park in Balwyn North. The trial is expected to start Tuesday 28 April 2026, weather permitting.
This will be a low impact and contained weed scorching trial within the indigenous flora reserve.

Weed scorching:

is a targeted, small-scale method of heat-based weed control
uses a small propane gas torch to heat and scorch identified exotic weeds in indigenous grasslands.

When it’s happening

The trial will run throughout the autumn and winter season on approximately 2 days each month.
The contractor will treat small sections of weeds in the reserve on weekdays between 7:30 am and 4 pm. Works will occur weather permitting.

Benefits of weed scorching

It’s important to control and remove exotic weeds in indigenous grass reserves. Weed control in this environment can require various techniques.

Weed scorching can:

rejuvenate native ground layer plants and grasses
control weeds
promote biodiversity
reduce herbicide use.

Safety measures

We’ve appointed qualified contractors to complete the weed scorching at Beckett Park.

They will take precautions to ensure the scorching is contained.
Treated areas will be monitored closely.
Signs will be in place during any scorching treatments.
No scorching will be conducted on declared Smog Alert Days or Total Fire Ban Days.
The scorching will be registered with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Biodiversity and Revegetation team on [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4444.

Why we’re trialling it

This trial is part of our commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity on public lands in Boroondara. As part of this, we look at alternative weed management techniques that are best suited to different vegetation areas and also help us reduce the use of herbicides.

You can read more about our priorities and actions in our Urban Biodiversity Strategy.

‘No Glyphosate’ trial along Gardiners Creek

The trial ran from December 2022 to April 2025 and tested alternative ways to manage weeds without glyphosate. You can read more in our news article about the end of the trial.

Moving forward, Council will continue a weed management approach that reduces herbicide use where possible.