Weed control for bushfire preparedness

Now is a good time to consider which weeds may become a fire hazard over summer.

Grass weeds can displace native species and, in some cases, create serious fire risks. This is particularly true of species that form dense tussocks. A good example is pampas grass, which can grow several metres tall and when left uncontrolled, can dominate an area and create high fuel loads. Similarly, pasture grasses such as phalaris and African lovegrass can produce dense biomass when unmanaged, resulting in significant fuel loads and the ability to burn while still green.

It is also important to consider dense infestations of woody weeds. Olive trees, gorse and blackberry are all examples of weeds that can present significant fire hazards. Their ability to outcompete other vegetation, form monocultures and accumulate large amounts of highly flammable biomass can increase the intensity and severity of a fire.

Managing vegetation on your property is an important part of bushfire preparedness. Trimming vegetation along tracks and fence lines, removing fallen tree limbs and piles of debris close to the home, and keeping grass mown can all help reduce fire risk and improve your property's resilience if threatened by a bushfire.

It is also timely to clean your gutters and remove other combustible materials from around your home and shedding.  The CFS has more useful information about preparing your property for summer on their website.