The clock is ticking for Australian property owners as one of the nation's most destructive weeds prepares to unleash its next generation. With seeding season in full swing across south-eastern Australia, serrated tussock is about to spread tens of thousands of seeds per plant—and the financial consequences could be devastating for anyone who owns land.
In NSW alone, it is estimated that serrated tussock has cost more than $40 million per year in control and lost production and $5 million per year for its control in Victoria. But these staggering figures only tell part of the story.
Its presence greatly affects land value, making this weed a serious concern for property owners who may be considering selling or passing on their land to family.
Serrated tussock is an environmental weed that leads to increased fire risk and reduced land value.
This South American native, accidentally introduced over a century ago, has earned the dubious distinction of being declared one of Australia's worst weeds and was selected as a Weed of National Significance due to its invasiveness, potential for spread and social, economic and environmental impacts.
'A population of five large tussocks per square metre will reduce grazing capacity to less than half a DSE per hectare'
Why spring action is absolutely critical
Right now, across Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and parts of South Australia, serrated tussock plants are preparing for their annual seed release. The majority of serrated tussock plants will now have seed present, unless already controlled, which should be removed to prevent further spread.
The numbers are staggering: Large plants can produce 100,000 seeds a year. Even more concerning, Seeds are wind-blown and can travel up to 15 kilometres.
Those seeds don't just disappear—Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for up to 15 years and sometimes longer.
Serrated tussock takes only seven years from establishment to dominate a pasture or native grassland, meaning what starts as a small problem can quickly become an expensive nightmare.
Spring action essentials for property owners
- Seeds are releasing now—immediate action prevents future infestations
- One plant produces up to 100,000 seeds annually
- Seeds remain viable in soil for 15+ years
- Early control saves thousands in future costs
- Legal obligations may apply to your property
Know your enemy: Spotting the stealth invader
Part of the serrated tussock's success lies in its ability to hide in plain sight. Being similar in appearance to many native tussock grasses, serrated tussock may go unnoticed in both pastures and native grasslands for many years until significant infestations have developed.
The key identifying features include numerous leaves that are stiff, narrow (0.5mm in diameter) and grow to 50cm long. The leaf blade is round and may be smoothly rolled between fingers, whereas similar native species feel flat when rolled. Serrations can be felt by running the leaf between fingers from tip to the base.
Flowerheads of serrated tussock have a distinct purple colour as seeds ripen in late spring and summer. If you're seeing purple-tinged grass heads on your property right now, it's time to take immediate action.
A promising new weapon: The urea revolution
While traditional control methods rely heavily on herbicides that can damage surrounding plants, an innovative approach is gaining traction among Australian farmers.
A chemical-free fertiliser known as urea is being used to eradicate serrated tussock. After previously 'nuking' the weed with poison, Mr Royds has been spreading the common farming fertiliser to destroy the tussock, without the surrounding natural grasses dying off.
This method, developed by regenerative farmers, offers particular appeal for property owners who may be concerned about using harsh chemicals around their homes or who want to protect beneficial plants and wildlife.
Chemical-free control with urea fertiliser
This innovative approach uses common farming fertiliser to target serrated tussock while preserving surrounding native grasses. The method requires careful application timing and rates—seek professional advice before attempting. Best suited for smaller infestations on lifestyle properties.
Modern technology lending a hand
For property owners dealing with larger areas, Through high-resolution mapping, drones provide important data for analytical assessment and decision making, particularly in large weed infestations. Serrated Tussock can be mapped accurately using drones, which can be very useful in management planning.
While drone mapping might seem like overkill for smaller properties, it's becoming an affordable option for rural landowners who need to assess the extent of their problem before developing a control strategy.
Your legal obligations matter
Property owners should be aware that serrated tussock control isn't just good practice—it may be legally required. As an occupiers of private land you are required to control serrated tussock noxious weeds according to the control categories for your area.
If you fail to control the serrated tussock on your land, the council may issue you with a notice for the control of the weed.
If you fail to comply with the notice, the council may prosecute you and/or enter your property and carry out any necessary weed control work, charging you any reasonable expenses incurred. Alternatively the council may issue you with an on the spot penalty for breaches of the Act.
Community support and expert help
The good news is you're not fighting this battle alone. The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) is returning with a new community-driven initiative, this time targeting Inverleigh in Western Victoria, to support and empower landholders in the fight against the highly invasive serrated tussock grass.
This extension program marks a significant step forward in assisting landholders with on-ground advice and resources to manage infestations effectively.
For technical advice and assistance with identification please contact your local council weeds officer. Don't be embarrassed about asking for help—these professionals have seen it all and are there to support you.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party offers free educational resources, including video identification guides on their YouTube channel. They also conduct community workshops and provide free information mailouts to property owners seeking help with identification and control strategies.
Taking action this spring
Successful weed control relies on early action and follow up after initial efforts. Using a combination of control methods is usually more successful. Control plants quickly, delaying control allows a quick transition to more and more plants.
The message is clear: spring action now prevents summer seeding, which prevents years of expensive control work later. Larger infestations become costly and difficult to control.
For property owners, especially those approaching or in retirement, protecting your land asset value while maintaining the environmental integrity of your property has never been more important.
What This Means For You
Have you noticed suspicious grass on your property that might be serrated tussock? What control methods have worked for you, or what questions do you have about identification and management? Share your experiences and help fellow property owners tackle this costly invader.
Original Article
https://au.news.yahoo.com/scary-imp...rs-urged-to-take-urgent-action-055515752.html
Impacts of Serrated Tussock
Cited text: In NSW alone, it is estimated that serrated tussock has cost more than $40 million per year in control and lost production and $5 million per year for...
Excerpt: In NSW alone, it is estimated that serrated tussock has cost more than $40 million per year in control and lost production and $5 million per year for its control in Victoria.
https://serratedtussock.com/about/impacts-of-serrated-tussock
Serrated tussock | Weeds information | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Its presence greatly affects land value.
Excerpt: Its presence greatly affects land value
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weeds-information/serrated-tussock
Serrated tussock—City of Hobart, Tasmania Australia
Cited text: Serrated tussock is an environmental weed that leads to increased fire risk and reduced land value.
Excerpt: Serrated tussock is an environmental weed that leads to increased fire risk and reduced land value.
https://www.hobartcity.com.au/City-services/Environment/Environmental-weeds/Serrated-tussock
Impacts of Serrated Tussock
Cited text: It is one of Australia’s worst weeds and was selected as a Weed of National Significance due to its invasiveness, potential for spread and social, eco...
Excerpt: one of Australia's worst weeds and was selected as a Weed of National Significance due to its invasiveness, potential for spread and social, economic and environmental impacts
https://serratedtussock.com/about/impacts-of-serrated-tussock
Year: 2024—Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party
Cited text: The majority of serrated tussock plants will now have seed present, unless already controlled, which should be removed to prevent further spread.
Excerpt: The majority of serrated tussock plants will now have seed present, unless already controlled, which should be removed to prevent further spread.
https://serratedtussock.com/2024
Serrated tussock | Weeds information | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Large plants can produce 100,000 seeds a year.
Excerpt: Large plants can produce 100,000 seeds a year.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weeds-information/serrated-tussock
Serrated tussock on the move—Local Land Services
Cited text: Seeds are wind-blown and can travel up to 15 kilometres.
Excerpt: Seeds are wind-blown and can travel up to 15 kilometres.
https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/nt-news/2021/serrated-tussock-on-the-move
Serrated tussock | Weeds information | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for up to 15 years and sometimes longer.
Excerpt: Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for up to 15 years and sometimes longer.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weeds-information/serrated-tussock
Serrated tussock | Weeds information | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Serrated tussock takes only seven years from establishment to dominate a pasture or native grassland, threatening rare native plant species and result...
Excerpt: Serrated tussock takes only seven years from establishment to dominate a pasture or native grassland
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weeds-information/serrated-tussock
Impacts of Serrated Tussock
Cited text: Being similar in appearance to many native tussock grasses, serrated tussock may go unnoticed in both pastures and native grasslands for many years un...
Excerpt: Being similar in appearance to many native tussock grasses, serrated tussock may go unnoticed in both pastures and native grasslands for many years until significant infestations have developed.
https://serratedtussock.com/about/impacts-of-serrated-tussock
Serrated tussock | Weeds information | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Serrated tussock has numerous leaves that are stiff, narrow (0.5mm in diameter) and grow to 50cm long. The leaf blade is round and may be smoothly rol...
Excerpt: numerous leaves that are stiff, narrow (0.5mm in diameter) and grow to 50cm long.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weeds-information/serrated-tussock
Serrated tussock | Weeds information | Weeds | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Flowerheads of serrated tussock have a distinct purple colour as seeds ripen in late spring and summer.
Excerpt: Flowerheads of serrated tussock have a distinct purple colour as seeds ripen in late spring and summer.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weeds-information/serrated-tussock
Digging it: regenerative farmers keen to spread word—Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party
Cited text: A chemical-free fertiliser known as urea is being used to eradicate serrated tussock. Image by Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS · After previously “nuking” the ...
Excerpt: A chemical-free fertiliser known as urea is being used to eradicate serrated tussock.
https://serratedtussock.com/2024/10/digging-it-regenerative-farmers-keen-to-spread-word
Using drones for efficient Serrated Tussock management—Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party
Cited text: Through high-resolution mapping, drones provide important data for analytical assessment and decision making, particularly in large weed infestations....
Excerpt: Through high-resolution mapping, drones provide important data for analytical assessment and decision making, particularly in large weed infestations.
https://serratedtussock.com/2024/05/using-drones-for-efficient-serrated-tussock-management
Using drones for efficient Serrated Tussock management—Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party
Cited text: Serrated Tussock can be mapped accurately using drones, which can be very useful in management planning.
Excerpt: Serrated Tussock can be mapped accurately using drones, which can be very useful in management planning.
https://serratedtussock.com/2024/05/using-drones-for-efficient-serrated-tussock-management
Serrated Tussock • private property public land agriculture
Cited text: For property valuers and lenders On small acreages Using contractors When buying land Legal NSW ACT Landholders Local Government The Working Party 201...
Excerpt: As an occupiers of private land you are required to control serrated tussock noxious weeds according to the control categories for your area.
http://www.serratedtussock.com.au/?i=126
Serrated Tussock • private property public land agriculture
Cited text: If you fail to comply with the notice, the council may prosecute you and/or enter your property and carry out any necessary weed control work, chargin...
Excerpt: If you fail to comply with the notice, the council may prosecute you and/or enter your property and carry out any necessary weed control work, charging you any reasonable expenses incurred.
http://www.serratedtussock.com.au/?i=126
Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party
Cited text: The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) is returning with a new community-driven initiative, this time targeting Inverleigh in Western Vi...
Excerpt: The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) is returning with a new community-driven initiative, this time targeting Inverleigh in Western Victoria, to support and empower landholders in the fight against the highly invasive…
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) - NSW WeedWise
Cited text: ... For technical advice and assistance with identification please contact your local council weeds officer.
Excerpt: For technical advice and assistance with identification please contact your local council weeds officer.
https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/123
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) - NSW WeedWise
Cited text: Successful weed control relies on early action and follow up after initial efforts. Using a combination of control methods is usually more successful....
Excerpt: Successful weed control relies on early action and follow up after initial efforts.
https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/123
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) - NSW WeedWise
Cited text: Control plants quickly, delaying control allows a quick transition to more and more plants.
Excerpt: Control plants quickly, delaying control allows a quick transition to more and more plants.
https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/123
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) - NSW WeedWise
Cited text: Larger infestations become costly and difficult to control.
Excerpt: Larger infestations become costly and difficult to control.
https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/123
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