Should We Really Remove Every Weed?
When walking through a degraded site, weeds are often the first thing that stands out. The obvious solution? Remove them and start again with native vegetation.
But one thing I’ve learnt from working on rehabilitation projects is that it’s not always that straightforward. Sometimes, those unwanted plants are actually doing some of the heavy lifting.
Take wild tobacco (Solanum mauritianum), for example. It’s a common environmental weed throughout South East Queensland, but despite its invasive nature, it can provide some surprising benefits.
Its fruit attracts birds, which may also bring native seeds into degraded areas. Its broad leaves provide shade and shelter, creating conditions where native seedlings can establish beneath the canopy.
What happens when we remove it all at once?
Suddenly, we’ve lost that shade and shelter, exposed the soil and potentially removed habitat that local wildlife was using. We may also have created an opportunity for other weeds to move straight back in.
Of course, that doesn’t mean we should leave wild tobacco to take over. It spreads readily, competes with native vegetation and can quickly become a bigger problem if left unmanaged.
So, what's the alternative?
When planning rehabilitation works, I think it’s important to consider what we’re actually removing.
It’s not just about identifying weeds. It’s about understanding whether they’re providing habitat, protecting native seedlings or helping the site regenerate.
Sometimes, a staged approach makes more sense than clearing everything at once.
This is where good rehabilitation management makes a difference. Understanding the site’s condition, planning the sequence of works and monitoring how the vegetation responds can help avoid creating more problems than we’re trying to solve.
Every site is different, and the best approach isn’t necessarily the most obvious.
After all, the goal isn’t just to get rid of weeds. It’s to give native vegetation the best chance of coming back.
Planning a rehabilitation project? New Ground can help you develop a practical approach to vegetation management and environmental rehabilitation.