Weeds of the Kaipatiki Area

Weeds are one of the greatest threats to the Kaipatiki Reserve. Most of the Kaipatiki Project's labour is dedicated to removing weeds and laying mulch to prevent regrowth.

Weeds are plants from other countries which are better adapted to growing in New Zealand than similar native plants. These weeds gradually take over until they are the only plant left in the entire area. Without weed control there will be no native bush left for children to enjoy in the future.

The Kaipatiki Project controls all the weeds on site organically by hand pulling, cutting down larger woody weeds or by mulching over ground-cover weeds. Mulching involves using wood-chips to smother weeds and preventing their regrowth while keeping the soil moist and providing nutrients to the soil as the mulch breaks down. By not using chemicals we do not contribute to any chemical pollution of the stream, its surrounds or the neighbourhood in general.

Hand pulled weeds are left in piles to compost and are turned regularly to prevent the weeds from re-establishing. Even succulents such as wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis) can be composted in this way if persevered with.

Organic Weed Control

Click on the link above to find out how to control weeds organically.