Hand pull or dig out small plants.

 

Vines climbing through trees or hedges are best traced back to ground level. Find the main stem and cut it off as low as possible. Then paint the cut stem with a systemic weed killer such as Vigilant gel. Ensure that hanging vines are clear of the ground so they cannot take root.

  

Make sure you leave the plants in the ground until the roots have died off. Do not re-apply herbicide too soon after the initial treatment. Wait until the plant actively begins growing again. Old man's beard will not be eradicated in one season. You will have to watch for regrowth and seedlings and repeat your control measures. Seeds can remain viable for several years so you may still have seedlings to deal with for a few years.

 

Old Man's Beard should not be confused with native clematis species, which have generally only three leaflets instead of five (as in Old Man's Beard) and the leaves are shiny, leathery and hairless.

 

Use all herbicides in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure no herbicide comes into contact with other plants, the soil and waterways.

For further assistance please contact Customer Service on 03 353 9007 or toll free on 0800 324 636. You can also visit our website www.ecan.govt.nz