Japanese honeysuckle is a crawling/climbing vine that is capable of shading out and smothering native seedlings, as well as causing canopy collapse by forming dense mats on top of the trees. It is very hardy, tolerant of salt and frost, and invades backyards, bush margins, disturbed forests and river networks. Japanese honeysuckle also supports habitat for faster growing weeds such as moth plant. Light green growth appears in early spring, and this is a good time to control it using the methods detailed here:  

• Dig out small infestations, trying to remove all parts of the root system – Japanese honeysuckle can regrow from stem fragments that are left in the ground.
• Hand-release off native trees where possible. Make a cut at the base of the stem and apply a thin film of  Met Gel to both ends of the cut stem.
• Large vines can be left on the tree after applying Met Gel to both ends of the cut stem.
• For large/mature infestations and ground cover, foliar spray with 0.5g/L metsulfuron plus penetrant. Always wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) and read the manufacturer’s label for guidelines and recommendations. Talk to your local ecological restoration advisor for further guidance.
• Follow up in three months to reapply herbicide and ensure all regrowth has died (mature infestations usually need multiple applications).
• Talk to your neighbours and encourage them to take action too!

There are several environmental networks across Auckland’s North Shore that support communities to recognise, report and remove pest plants and restore our native wildlife.

East Coast Bays and Hibiscus Coast, Restore Hibiscus & Bays    
info@restorehb.org.nz, restorehb.org.nz/resources-pest-plants/
Facebook.com/RestoreHB

Kaipātiki,  Pest Free Kaipātiki (PFK), enquiries@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz
https://www.pfk.org.nz/pest-plant-resources  
Facebook.com/pestfreekaipatiki/

Takapuna, Pupuke Birdsong Project, enviro@takapunatrust.org.nz         
Facebook.com/pupukebirdsongproject

Devonport Peninsula, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki
pestfreedevonport@gmail.com,
Facebook.com/restoringtakarungahauraki/

Upper Harbour, Upper Waitematā Ecology Network (UWEN)    
info@upperharbourecologynetwork.org
Facebook.com/upperwaitemataecologynetwork

For advice on chemical-free alternatives, Kaipātiki Project    
community@kaipatiki.org.nz    
kaipatiki.org.nz 
Facebook.com/kaipatikiproject

This monthly feature is a collaborative initiative between Restore Hibiscus & Bays, Pest Free Kaipātiki Restoration Society, Pupuke Birdsong Project, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network and Kaipātiki Project. Building on Te Ao Māori principles of kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga, these environmental networks bring our communities together to foster guardianship, care and respect towards our whenua, natural world and indigenous wildlife.