Plant Pest Control
Over the past four years, Longridge contracting has been heavily involved in the National Wilding Conifer Control programme, which was established by MPI in 2016. We have successfully completed our eradication work over substantial tracts of land in the Mackenzie country, Craigieburn Ranges and the Waiau area.
Every member of our large and experienced team has industry-based skills and training and we can offer a number of different pest eradication methods to suit both your budget and the terrain. We have also extended our services to clearing scrub from farmland for increased productivity, as well as clearing land for native plantations or forestry projects.
Targeted species:
- Wilding pine control
- Weed spraying
- Native plant release spraying
- Scrub plants
Wilding Conifers
Conifers, which can carry hundreds of seeds in the form of pinecones, are prolific spreaders, and can cause enormous damage if they escape the confines of a planted area. They are a huge and ongoing threat to New Zealand farms, biodiversity and our native landscapes. The main conifer species at risk of spreading are:
- Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
- Lodgepole or contorta pine (Pinus contorta)
- Dwarf mountain pine and mountain pine (Pinus mugo and P. uncinata)
- Bishop pine (Pinus muricata)
- Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)
- Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
- Corsican (black) pine (Pinus nigra)
- European larch (Larix decidua)
- Radiata pine (Pinus radiata)
Gorse
Gorse is a scrub weed, introduced from western Europe in the early 1800s as a form of hedging for farmland. Gorse is easily distinguishable from other plant species and is famous for its thorny leaves and yellow flowers.
- Gorse can spread quickly over large distances; picked up by the wind or in the fur/ fleece of passing animals.
- Growing very quickly and densely, it competes with grass-based pastures and exotic forests for water, light and space.
- Prone to drying out over the summer months, gorse can increase the risk of fire.
It is imperative that forestry owners keep on top of weeds and plants in areas where they are not wanted. Careful ongoing monitoring is important in order to eradicate certain types of weed before they become too invasive.
Controlling weeds is a vital part of caring for your forest as invasive weeds can:
- Rob the soil nutrients on which your trees rely.
- Restrict the growth of saplings.
- Provide a home for potentially harmful pests.
Plant Control Methods
Chainsaw
Longridge can offer a qualified team of tree fellers.
Spraying handguns
We can provide a land cruiser equipped with a quick spray twin reel unit with the capacity to hold 800l of chemical at a time, allowing 400m2 of spray coverage. Great for largespray jobs, high country, and forestry work.
Release spraying
Our fit and experienced staff are adept at spot spraying using knapsacks around areas that have been planted with natives.
Scrub cutting
Longridge can offer high powered scrub cutting machines that are tailor made for clearing scrub and invasive weeds.
Drill and fill
An effective method for poisoning and killing unwanted trees that involves drilling into the base of the trunk and delivering poison directly.