<![CDATA[Bush Encroachment & Forestry - South Africa

<![CDATA[Bush Encroachment & Forestry - South Africa - Bush Encroachment Discussion]]>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:51:52 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[FENCELINE SPRAYING]]>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/fenceline-spraying.

Protect your fences against fire and reduce corrosion. Fire removes the galvanising.

Keeping fences clear of vegetation makes it easier to do inspections and maintenance.

In the case of electrified fences, vegetation control is essential.

Options
Costing is based on a rate/km x 2m wide. (1m either side of the fence). Prices as on 23/04/2025
Where there are long grasses, you may want to spray a wider area. If existing weed grasses are taller than 1m it may be advisable to slash the growth prior to spraying. The best and easiest method to spray is immediately after, or at the time, of erection of fences.

Spray ROUNDUP WEATHERMAX or STROPER at rate of 4Lt/ha, or, 0.8Lt/Km x 2m wide.

Cost/ha =      4 x R105.00 (excl) / Liter                            = R 420.00
Cost/km =      0.8 x R105.00 (excl) / Liter                            = R 84.00
This will give good knock-down of existing growth, but will not prevent the germination of seeds. A re-spray at 3-4 months may be required.

2. SUBURB (Glyphosate + Triazines)

Spray SUBURB at a rate of 15Lt/ha, or, 3Lt/km (2m wide)
Cost/ha =      15 x R175.00 (excl) / Liter                            = R 2625.00
Cost/km =      3 x R175.00 (excl) / Liter                            = R 525.00
Suburb gives good knock down of existing weeds, plus, residual control for 8-12 months. Suburb can be safely sprayed in the vicinity of existing trees and desirable vegetation.

3. FORMAT

Spray Format at a rate of 8Lt/ha, or, 1.6Lts/km (2m wide).
Cost/ha =      8 x R460.00 / Liter                            = R 3680.00
Cost/km =      1.6 x R460.00 / Liter                            = R 736.00
Format gives good knockdown of existing weeds and control of any regrowth for 12 months and even longer after 2 or 3 applications.

WARNING: Format is not to be used very close to desirable trees or vegetation. It has a high level of activity in the soil and may be absorbed by trees & scrubs with relatively shallow roots in the sprayed zone. Its use is to be avoided on steep slopes as it may move with washed soil.

4. BUNDU SC - WARNING – High risk of damage to surrounding vegetation – read the label carefully & determine soil clay content (very important).

Spray Bundu at a rate of 8 – 24 Lt/ha depending on soil clay content or 1.6 – 4.8 Lt/km (2m wide).
Cost/ha = Oty ( see above ) x R295.00 (excl) / Liter = R
Cost/km =      Qty ( see above ) x R295.00 (excl) / Liter = R
Bundu gives excellent knockdown of existing weeds and long term control of any regrowth for 1 – 3 years or even longer after 2 or 3 applications.

Please note: With all products, period of residual control may vary and is dependent on the following factors, which may vary:
- Soil type – sandy soils vs. clay content.
-   Rainfall
- Microbial activity in the soils

For more information, please contact:
John Chandler &/or Dix van Dam
Cell: 082 461 2944 &/or 082 804 7942
Mail: bushencroachment@gmail.com
Web: www.bushencroachment.com]]><![CDATA[Navrae van Roelf: "Soos bespreek per telefoon is ons opsoek na gif om Sand Olien wat groot areas in die veld (Rustenburg area) oorneem, permanent te behandel sodat gras weer in die areas kan vestig".]]>Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:50:52 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/11072018-navrae-van-roelf-soos-bespreek-per-telefoon-is-ons-opsoek-na-gif-om-sand-olien-wat-groot-areas-in-die-veld-rustenburg-area-oorneem-permanent-te-behandel-sodat-gras-weer-in-die-areas-kan-vestigTranslate: As discussed telephonically, we would like advice on correct treatment of Sand Olive which is taking over large areas of veld in the Rustenburg area. We need the results to be permanent and for grass to re-establish.

Ferdi Jordaan antwoord: Sand Olien (ook soms Yster Bossie) Dodonaea viscosa variëteit angustifolia

Twee GEREGISTREERDE (bewese effektiwiteit!) produkte uit Arysta se stal is beskikbaar:
1.      Kaput 100 Gel. Hier moet die plante net bo die grond afgesaag word en Kaput onmiddellik daarna aangewend word op die stomp. Dis nou vir groter plante.
2.      Vir plante korter as 2m, kan mens Impala EC aanwend as ‘n loofbespuiting.

Aangesien Sand Olien immergroen is, kan mens wegkom met somer- of winterbehandelings, maar wat loofbespuiting met Impala betref, is somer dalk beter. (die proewe is toe gedoen).

Daar is deeglike navorsing om die effektiwiteit van beide bostaande produkte te bepaal en ek kan bevestig dat beide hoogs effektief is (verskaf permanente beheer), mits dit korrek aangewend word. Die navorsing was juis die gevolg van navrae tov chemise beheer uit die Swartruggens-omgewing.
]]><![CDATA[On 10/07/2018 David asked: What is your suggested chemical control of Dichrostachys cinerea (Sickle Bush) , Acacia spp and Euclea divinorum along roadside, and regrowth in previously manually cleared areas.]]>Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/on-10072018-david-asked-what-is-you-suggested-chemical-control-of-dichrostachys-cinerea-acacia-spp-and-euclea-divinorum-along-roadside-and-regrowth-in-previously-manually-cleared-areasFerdi Jordaan answers: Dichrostachys cinerea (Sickle bush) can be controlled in several ways:

Cut stump (where the tree is cut down less than 10cm above soil level) and the remaining stump treated with a suitably registered (tried & tested) herbicide. You have options, with my favourite being Kaput 100 Gel, but one can use Browser as well. It seems to make no difference whether cut stump treatments are done in winter or summer. Most selective treatment. Little or no effect on grass. Grasses will proliferate once tree competition has been removed.
Foliar sprays have to be done during a period of active growth, particularly as far as deciduous plants go and that would usually be summer an early autumn. Browser can be used for this, but one must be aware that some picloram, the active ingredient in Browser, will unavoidably end up on the soil or grass around the target plant. That portion of the product can be absorbed by adjacent vegetation, which may be killed or damage should the “accidental dosage” be sufficient. As far as I know, there is currently no registered herbicide that does not contain picloram. This treatment is less selective than cut stump. Little or no effect on grass. Grasses will proliferate once tree competition has been removed.
Limpopo 200 GG is a soil applied herbicide which is strictly root absorbed. It is the least selective treatment of the three discussed here. As such, there are no guarantees that other plants may not be killed. Grasses will proliferate once tree competition has been removed, but for a year or two, grass damage will be visible where Limpopo GG had been applied. It needs rain to wash the herbicide into the root zone of treated plants.

Acacia species:

While Browser is registered on several species, one must understand that this product is a generic version of the original. If the dosage rates on the original product’s label were inadequate, the same would be true for Browser. And this is exactly the case. Browser works at the registered rate on some species, but not so well on others. Any idea what Acacia species you are ready to take on?

Euclea divinorum (Magic gwarri):

This plant can be controlled with Kaput Gel, applied as a cut stump treatment. Browser can also be applied as a foliar spray (see above for warnings, etc.)

]]><![CDATA[Interesting article found on Google: What are the economic benefits for Namibia of an Encroacher Bush Biomass Power Plant near Tsumeb?]]>Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:36:15 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/interesting-article-found-on-google-what-are-the-economic-benefits-for-namibia-of-an-encroacher-bush-biomass-power-plant-near-tsumeb-over-past-years-nampower-and-other-partners-have-been-exploring-and-realising-the-renewable-energy-potential-of-namibi.htm<![CDATA[Control of Silver Cluster Leaf - Terminalia Sericea]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2015 06:45:03 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/control-of-silver-cluster-leaf-terminalia-sericea

Terminalia Sericea (Silver Cluster Leaf, also Afrikaanse Vaalboom) is a deciduous tree that is native to Southern Africa.

The tree normally occurs in a variety of habitats of open woodlands particularly on sandy soils where they are sometimes dominant or co-dominant and grows in dense thickets of various sizes. When this happens it inhibits the growth of grass. With time, the dense thickets can take over large areas of grasslands.

How to control Terminalia Sericea?
Below are excerpts from a bush encroachment specialist on the control of Silver Cluster Leaf.

There are picloram products registered for foliar application on small Silver Cluster Leaf (smaller than 1,5m in height), but a large percentage of the herbicide mixture lands on the ground. The picloram is then available for absorption by non-target plants. Picloram is very residual and easily taken up by roots. Ecologically long term damage can occur when picloram is sprayed over large areas. We often suggest to rather look at stump treatment, where the trees are cut down and the freshly-cut stumps treated.

Browser (picloram) was at one stage registered for the stump treatment, but a product with better results has now been developed: Kaput 100 Gel (picloram & triclopyr).

Trials with Kaput on Silver Cluster Leaf have resulted in more than 90% control, even after 700 days.

Kaput 100 Gel is a fairly new concept. It is a complete formulated product that doesn’t require any additives or mixing. No applicators are needed, just a normal paint brush. The UV stable colorant in the product makes supervision and control easy.

Kaput contains only 10% active ingredient. The label suggest that a minimum of 1mm must be applied to the fresh cut stump surface. If it is applied too thin, the amount of active ingredient may not be enough to affect the whole root system.

For more information on Kaput 100 Gel, look at ….. Kaput 100 Gel (click)

]]><![CDATA[Pampas Grass - Category 1 Invasive Alien Plant]]>Fri, 25 May 2012 12:47:17 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/pampas-grass-category-1-invasive-alien-plant

Invasive grass species are reducing the biodiversity of indigenous communities, changing ecosystem processes, retarding ecosystem restoration and reducing profits from ranching and arable agriculture.
The review of the impacts of alien grasses in other parts of the world suggests that alien grasses will become increasingly prevalent in South Africa.

At present only five grass species, all large conspicuous perennials, are declared weeds in South Africa.
Pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata, C. selloana) is declared as a Category 1 weed in South Africa. Pampas grass in South Africa is banned from sale and propagation. It may not be grown and must be removed.

Pampas grass is native to South America. It is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of environments and climates. Pampas grass is known to be highly drought tolerant.
Each plume of a older plant can produce up to 100 000 seeds. These seeds can be carried 25km by wind and develop without pollination.
The Pampas grass plant has a mass of fibrous roots. The root system of a large plant can occupy over 100 square meter of soil.
Pampas grass is an aggressive colonizer that competes with native vegetation. Once established it tends to exclude most other species and forms impenetrable clumps.
The foliage of pampas grass dries in the winter and pose a serious fire hazard.

Please share your experiences of pampas grass with us.

]]><![CDATA[Pom Pom - Category ONE Invasive Alien Plant.]]>Fri, 25 May 2012 06:59:45 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/pom-pom-category-one-invasive-alien-plantThe Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy wrote an interesting article about Pom Pom. Below are some extracts from the article. For the full article, go to Pom Pom - An Invasive Alien Plant

The invasive alien Pom-Pom bloom from early spring to late autumn, spreading air-borne seeds in the wind. If you are not already taking action against this alien plant, your URGENT response is called for.

This plant is a Category ONE Invasive plant. What that means to you is: " These are plants that must be controlled on land or water surfaces by ALL land users."
This category includes Lantana, Bugweed, Pampas Grass, Cat's Claw creeper, Oleander, and Balloon Vine.

Please note that if you are found guilty of neglecting to attend to these plants a fine of 4 years jail term or R10 000 or BOTH applies.

What to do, when and how

The Pompom is dormant in winter, and is would be pointless to take action once the leaves begin to yellow. The best time to spray this invader with herbicide is during the growing phase, and preferably before flowering.

The Pompom spreads by rhizome and by seed. Cutting the plant down, or burning is NOT effective. The experience in the RNC is that this practice encourages vigourous growth, and rapid spread through the rhizome. THe rhizome (root system) is well protected under the soil, not affected by burning, and leaves the Pompom ready to grow.

The Pompom thrives in disturbed or degraded soil. Pay close attention to these areas.

In the RNC action has in the past often been taken too late. This may be because the flowring season begins when we all want to go on holiday, and wind down for the year. This is when the pompom "gets busy"!

When the pompom is already flowering, many owners have included de-heading in their treatment regime. The flowers are cut off, bagged and burnt. This activity adds greatly to the duration and cost of the treatment intervention. Also, walking through the flowering plants, some already seeding, disperses the seeds quickly and widely.

If you are able to apply herbicide while the plant is growing, i.e. before the flowering commences, the intervention will be more effective.

Try to use "spot application" rather than dispersed spraying. Spray only the pompom plant, focusing on the leaves.

After 3-5 days the plant will appear to be wilting. Leave in place and undisturbed as the plant will die over 10-14 days.

Feel free to Contact us for more information on the control of Pom Pom.

]]><![CDATA[Protected Tree Species 2011]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:29:23 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/protected-tree-species-2011The Forestry South Africa magazine published an article on the latest Protected Trees of South Africa. For the original article, visit http://www.forestry.co.za/protected-tree-species-2011/

NOTICE OF THE LIST OF PROTECTED TREE SPECIES UNDER THE NATIONAL FORESTS ACT, 1998 (ACT NO 84 OF 1998)
By virtue of powers vested in me under Section 15(3) of the National Forests Act, 1998, I, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries hereby publish a list of all protected trees belonging to a particular species under Section 12(1) (d) setout in Schedule below. The effect of this declaration is that in terms of Section 15(1) of the National Forests Act,1998, no person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any protected tree or possess, collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquireor dispose of any protected tree or any forest product derived from a protected tree, except under a licence or exemption granted by the Minister to an applicant and subject to such period and conditions as may be stipulated. Contravention of this declaration is regarded as a first category offence that may result in a person who is found guilty of being sentenced to a fine or imprisonment for a period up to three years, or to both a fine and imprisonment.

Click on the link below to download the List of Protected Tree Species...

protected_tree_species_2011.pdf
File Size:	81 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

]]><![CDATA[Plants that are Declared Indicators of Bush Encroachment.]]>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/plants-that-are-declared-indicators-of-bush-encroachmentFor a list of plants that are Declared Indicators of Bush Encroachment (Botanical and Common names, English and Afrikaans), download the file below.

declared_indicators_of_bush_encroachment.pdf
File Size:	37 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

]]><![CDATA[The Control Of "Wild Esparagus"/"Katstert"]]>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:45:37 GMThttp://www.bushencroachment.com/bush-encroachment-discussion/the-control-of-wild-esparagus-katstertWe had an interesting enquiry about the control of "wild esparagus" / "katstert" on farms adjacent to the Koppies dam in the Free State. Below are the main points of the enquiry and replies.

Enquiry:
The natural grazing on my farm, adjacent to Koppies dam in the Free State, is being taken over by "wild esparagus" / "katstert". I have tried several herbicides but with no success. What can you recommend and when would be the correct time in the year to apply?
1st Reply:
"Can you please expand as to which products you have tried with what methods and rates of application?"
More Details about the Enquiry:
I have sprayed with Round-up, Hormoban and Turfweeder at the recommended strengths (sprayed the same plants 2-3 times between December and May this year) and have tried also Chopper as a spot treatment at the plant roots (in February 2010).
All treated plants recovered within weeks and although they are not as green as the untreated plants during the winter, I expect them to be back to normal again this summer.
If you have had any experience with wild esparagus, you will know that it is a very difficult plant to kill, it has "bulbs" and an extensive rooting system. It has needles as apposed to broad leaves. The seeds are being spread by birds that eat their berries. If I dig them out, I just prepare a seedbed for the millions of seeds dropped around the plant.
I need a herbicide (or natural's solution - parasite or disease, as fire also does not affect the plants) that will stop this invasion. I am prepared to sacrifice natural grass species, as I am confident that they will return with time, as the plant is speading uncontrolably.

Response from Ferdi Jordaan, Bush Encroachment Specialist:

The plant is indeed wild asparagus or Katbos. Botanical name Asparagus laricinus. I have personally done lots of work on it, some of it even at Koppies dam, within the reserve surrounding the dam.

Chopper (and Hatchet) is registered, but even the guy who did the original R&D admits that results are erratic at best. One has to admit that Katbos is a worthy opponent though and the root system probably has a lot to do with it.

I am attaching two labels for chemicals which are registered, one being Browser, the other Limpopo 200 GG. Browser is applied as a 2% foliar spray with 0,5% mineral oil, like our H&R Crop Oil. Adding a colourant helps. It does affect grass to a certain extent, but the latter recovers within a year or so. Application would be later in the season, once the new foliage is fully developed. I did trials as late as April in the Kroonstad district, but depending on rain, December would be OK. One more thing: small or scattered plants can be treated with knapsack sprayers, but for dense thickets or large, well established plants, one needs to apply Browser with a fire fighter or something capable of delivering high volumes.

Limpopo GG is applied as a soil treatment within the base of the plant. It too, affects grass and this damage sticks around a little longer, but also recovers in time. Here one needs rain to leach the product into the root zone of target plants and the more rain it gets, the better. The only problem is that Katbos seem to prefer soil high in clay and as you know, root absorbed herbicides battle under such conditions. That is exactly why I developed a foliar treatment, such as Browser. Be that as it may, both products do work, but FOLLOW-UP TREATMENTS IN THE NEXT SUMMER, IS ESSENTIAL. I’m not aware of any chemical being 100% effective, first time.

I need to add that while some re-growth did occur, some of it died back due to the residual effect of picloram in the soil. Picloram stays active within the plant too, even for a year or so. If the plant does not die within the first summer, it may do so during the next, but chances are that retreatment will be required on large plants. I also suggest one treats a minimum of 90% of all green foliage (shoots and whatever counts as leaves on this plant). Treat to point of run-off. Overspray onto grass is unavoidable.

I know Katbos is taking over large areas and Koppies is not too far off. Hence I’m willing to assist if I can. Let me know if this is on.

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