Controlling Old Man’s Beard in the Rangitīkei
in the Rangitīkei
The recent completion of our two-and-a-half-year Environmental Restoration Project saw 1400ha of Old Man’s Beard removed from properties across the Rangitīkei. Previous work on properties have included the use of a drone with aerial spraying being much more targeted and effective in difficult locations.
Old Man’s Beard (OMB) is a fast-growing and hardy vine that spreads quickly through forest canopies that forms dense tangled mass over other vegetation, trees, and structures smothering supporting plants and preventing regeneration.
OMB tends to grow in large amounts where there are no threats to its growth, such as roadsides, rail corridors, riverbanks, in gardens, hedges, shelterbelts, and disturbed bush.
Controlling invasive species like OMB is essential for preserving valuable areas of indigenous/native bush and providing habitat for native plants and wildlife.
To control OMB on your property:
- Dig up all seedlings.
- Cut the stems at ground level and immediately apply herbicide.
- Trace all vines back to roots and dig around the stump to access the main root.
- Apply herbicide immediately to the cut root or stump.
- Leave hanging vines in air to die and to prevent resprouting.
- Remove any stems from ground contact by hanging over other plants.
- Dispose of pulled stems, plants, and cutaway segments by burning, soaking in herbicide or deep bury.
Use herbicides containing active chemicals, such as Metsulfuron or Triclopyr, or Glyphosate, e.g., Escort, Tordon, Grazon, or RoundUp at label rates for gorse and with penetrant if recommended by the manufacturer.
Did you know grazing shorn old ewes is also a valuable tool for controlling regrowth? However care should be taken grazing sheep on Old Man’s Beard for a long period of time, short periods of regular grazing is best, as the sheep’s gut can become ulcerated. Care should also be taken grazing sheep in dense bush and infestations as they can get easily tangled in the hanging vines.
A trim is not enough to control this weed and ongoing follow up is required to keep it off your property. We recommend replacing bare areas quickly by planting desirable vegetation to minimise seedling growth. Regular monitoring, spraying, or grazing of bare areas while other trees get established is needed to keep young growth under control.
We encourage any farmers or landowners with OMB on their property to take action sooner rather than later. Success to control Old Man’s Beard relies on everyone doing their bit and working together.
If you would like help to control Old Man’s Beard on your property or further information, contact your RRCC Catchment Coordinator harriet@rrcc.co.nz or louise@rrcc.co.nz, or our Project Manager, julie@rrcc.c.nz
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