The lantana plant, a common sight in our local area, is more than just a nuisance. This particularly invasive woody weed causes considerable problems for property owners and farmers alike, making lantana removal a matter of national significance. So, what can we do to control it?
There are various lantana removal methods, each with advantages and challenges. As we will explore, you may find that forestry mulching is the most effective solution for your lantana removal needs.
Key takeaways 
- Lantana was introduced to Australia as an ornamental plant but quickly became a pest.
- It covers millions of hectares across Queensland and New South Wales (NSW).
- The weed impacts native flora and fauna and causes much agricultural loss.
- Livestock can suffer severe complications from Lantana’s toxicity.
- Strict control methods are needed to protect farmland and residential properties, such as herbicides and clearing.
- Our case study demonstrates the effectiveness of forestry mulching.
What is Lantana?
Anyone living in South-East Queensland is well acquainted with Lantana. It grows best in warmer weather, struggling when the first frost sets in. Colourful lantana flowers are a common sight along roadsides and properties.
While we may be well accustomed to its presence, that was only sometimes the case. Lantana is an invasive plant introduced to Australia in a cultivated form in the mid 19th Century to spruce up gardens.
The extent of Lantana
Lantana was declared a noxious pest species in the 1920s. By the 1950s, its seeds had spread along 1600km of Australia’s Eastern coastline.
It is now actively growing on over 5 million hectares in Queensland and NSW. Lantana seedlings are easily spread by getting stuck to clothing or eaten by birds and other animals.
Local government areas are now struggling to protect their native bushland.
Impact of in Australia
Lantana has become one of South-East Quensland’s most pervasive weeds. It has a significant environmental impact on many industries and residential areas.
Native plants and animals
New seedlings grow into mature Lantana quickly, and impenetrable thickets can choke out native plants and take over large areas. It is also allelopathic. This means it releases chemicals into the ground, inhibiting plant roots in the surrounding soil.
The weed’s invasiveness can cause native animals to lose vital access to food. The weed may also shelter pest animals like foxes, rabbits and wild dogs.
Agricultural loss
Lantana’s invasiveness impacts many sectors of Australia’s economy. Agriculture is one of the most acutely affected industries. Lantana poses a severe threat to our farmland’s ability to remain viable.
Lantana poisoning and livestock
Lantana is particularly dangerous for livestock as the entire plant is toxic. When eaten, it causes significant harm to animals. Animals raised in lantana-infested pastures should avoid it, but the new stock may be at risk of eating lantana leaves or stems. It’s essential to ensure they have access to other feeds.
Symptoms of poisoning include:
- Appetite loss;
- constipation;
- Frequent urination;
- jaundice of the eyes, nose and mouth;
- Kidney failure;
- Light sensitivity.
Animals can suffer a painful death in a few days after consumption.
Residential impact
Few properties in South-East Queensland are free of this invasive plant. Rural properties are significantly affected by extensive lantana cover. The weed can render properties virtually unusable. Gardens can be destroyed and almost impossible to revive without extreme control measures.
Pets may be in danger of getting stuck in Lantana or injured by its poisonous foliage. This means pets may need to be kept inside or in restricted areas for protection.
How do we achieve a successful Lantana removal
Several measures are used for lantana control. Foliar spraying, herbicide treatment, grubbing the root system from the soil, and prescribed burning are all options. These methods can be challenging to do safely and may cause long-term issues like toxic run-off.
Forestry mulching is a safe and effective way to remove Lantana and prevent it from re-emerging. Mulching allows previously inhibited vegetation regrowth and outcompetes invasive weeds like noxious weeds. Mulching is also environmentally sound and less time-consuming. There is no need to endanger the property with fire or damage the soil by grubbing weeds from the ground.
It’s important to note that depending on your location, some of these methods may require local council approval. Always check with your local council to ensure your lantana control methods are compliant with local regulations.
How East Coast Mulching can help
East Coast Mulching is an experienced land-clearing specialist with extensive knowledge of the local area. Our top-of-the-line machinery is well-equipped to tackle challenging weed infestations and free up precious space.
Unlike other methods, forestry mulching can eliminate Lantana without impacting other vegetation. This allows native species to retake space. The resulting mulch layer also helps to stifle new weed growth. Best of all, our approach is cost-effective, saving you money while achieving excellent results.
Case study
To illustrate the effectiveness of our services, here is a recent lantana removal job we completed.
We had pleased clients at our most recent land clearing job at Cambroon.
Our client contacted us and asked for assistance getting Lantana removed. The property was unusable, and our client wanted to regain access to create fenced paddocks on their property. Our skid steer mulcher worked on steep areas, powering through rugged terrain to open up 5 acres of inaccessible and unusable ground.
If you require assistance with clearing or lantana removal, leave your details on the contact form so we can get in touch and take care of it for you.
Read our comprehensive guide on land clearing here.
