Salix spp. are dense spreading trees which hybridise easily. Pussy and Basket willows most common in Gippsland. Widely planted for ornamental and functional purposes, particularly along waterways. All willows are either male or female but not all species produce seed. All willows reproduce vegetatively with twigs, stems and shoots dispersing by water and machinery. Pussy willow also reproduces by seed. Willow invades waterways and wet areas where they compete vigorously for space, water and nutrients eliminating all indigenous vegetation. Willows alter the shape of banks, stream beds and channels through the capture of enormous amounts of sediment. Plants offer little in the way of food or shelter for native flora. Autumn leaf drop in waterways can rob the water of oxygen.
Manual control
Elimination of young seedlings is a cost-effective way of keeping waterways free of potential blockages, erosion and stream bed change. Hand pulling of seedlings less than 0.5 m tall is the most practical and environmentally safe way of removing young plants. Leaving small roots in the ground does not lead to suckering or regrowth. Using large machinery such as excavators or bulldozers to remove larger trees and root systems can be effective but the residue should be burned to stop the plant material from regrowing. Any plant fragments created by this method will regrow and need to be followed up.
From SGLN’s 2017 weed guide.
