Wilding Conifers

Garden Problems

Wilding conifer is the New Zealand term for introduced conifers that are spreading across the landscape; self-sown and unwanted.

Identify the problem
Most wilding conifers are one of the species listed here. They include Radiata pine and Douglas fur.
In native forests, wilding conifers compete for space with native trees and plants and don't provide the advantages that native trees do, such as food for native birds or insects. Their needles form an acidic carpet which discourages regeneration of native forest floor species. They can be visually intrusive in native forest areas.
How to solve the problem
- Cut the tree down to below the lowest green leaves and immediately paint the cut stump with Weed Weapon Invade Gel or Weed Weapon Stump Stop Gel.
Did you know?
- Wilding conifers are the number one weed of the Dirty Dozen in New Zealand's War on Weeds.
- Wilding conifers include cedars, pines, firs, cypress, larches, and spruces.