Saving Trees from Climbing Pest Plants

Elizabeth from Maitai

Some neighbours in Atmore, Cleveland and Mayroyd Terraces have been getting together to free trees in our neighbourhood that are being strangles and suffocated by climbing pests such as Old Mans Beard, Climbing Dock, Banana Passionfruit and several others. We are meeting again this morning at 10.00 am and plan to get together monthly.


We can only work on public reserves and our own property.


If you would like to join us, or learn more about what we do, please contact me.


We have met with NCC Council Staff and now understand that the only way we will ever improve the situation is with our own efforts. The problem is too large and the costs would be too high to do this without volunteer labour. Council are ready to help with advice and information.


Nobody wants their rates to rise and so its not feasible to leave it to Council. After all, Council are us - we are in this together.


We would ask you, if you have these weeds on your property, would you be willing to remove them - or at least cut the vines out of the trees - not pull them - just leave them to die 'in situ' as this keeps spreading weed seeds to a minimum.


We weedbusters would love to see more of our friends and neighbours joining us in the effort to free our trees.


Nga mihi nui
Elizabeth