Invasive ground covers like wild ginger, montbretia and tradescantia (wandering willie) can smother native seedlings, prevent natural regeneration, and spread rapidly. These plants are tough to tackle and require persistent effort to keep them under control.

If you’re dealing with these stubborn invaders, here are some options for control:

Dig or pull treatment

Tackling small infestations? Precision is key.

Pest herbs like African club moss and artillery plant are masters of regeneration—many can sprout from the tiniest stem fragments.

To stop them in their tracks:

• Remove everything – pull out all visible growth, including leaves, underground stems, corms, and roots. Leaving even a small piece behind can lead to regrowth.
• Roll, don’t break – for shallow-rooted ground cover species such as tradescantia, try rolling the plant like a carpet to keep it intact. Fewer fragments mean fewer chances for it to spread.
• Contain waste securely – be extra cautious when transporting weed material. Use a sealed plastic bag to prevent accidental spread and cover trailers with a tarpaulin.Cover trailers to prevent accident spread of weeds
• Stay vigilant – regularly revisit the site to catch and remove any new growth before it spreads.

Spraying

Larger infestations can be sprayed but it must be used carefully to avoid damaging nearby native plants

To avoid harming nearby desirable or native plants, reduce spray drift by:

• Avoiding windy days—gusts can carry herbicide off target.
• Spraying in the early morning or late afternoon—warm midday air rises, increasing drift.
• Adjusting spray output—opt for a controlled stream over a fine mist to keep herbicide particles in your target area.
• Avoiding spraying in wet conditions—rain can wash herbicide into non-target areas or sensitive environments.
• Shielding native plants—using a half-bucket or barrier keeps them safe from accidental exposure.

For effective weed control:

Time it right – spraying during peak growth (before flowering or fruiting) ensures plants absorb the most effective dose.

Use the correct herbicide – double-check you’ve got the right product for the specific weed you’re targeting.

Follow the label – mix and apply herbicide as directed. Never dip used containers into water sources and always use water-safe sprays near streams or ponds.

Boost effectiveness – add a sticking agent (surfactant) to help herbicide stay on leaves, consider marker dye to track where you’ve sprayed, or use a foaming agent to minimise drift.