Herbaceous green leafy weeds and grasses

How to kill leafy herbaceous weeds and grasses

This section deals with using Cut'n'Paste Weed Gels to kill those leafy herbaceous weeds of all types, including boneseed, inkweed, nightshades, grasses like Kikuyu etc.

These weeds can grow very large and take over huge areas if not controlled. They will regrow if cut down and have tough root systems and easily regrow after cutting down. You need to apply our glyphosate gels if you don't want them to grow back. Use our Cut'n'Paste Original Weed Gel as a leaf application pasted onto the underside of several of the topmost young leaves that will absorb the active ingredient best. Always paste the underside of leaves as here are the stomata through which the plant breathes and can absorb the gel. We put some detergent into the Original to assist in breaking down any of the plant's waxy protective layer.

Go to this link for the NZ Plant Conservation Network to see full descriptions of these weeds.

Inkweed Phytolacca octandra — Inkweed has black inky seeds

Boneseed Osteospermum moniliferum — Boneseed Osteospermum moniliferu

Kikuyu grass being treated

Use our Cut’n’Paste Original Weed Gel as a leaf application pasted onto the underside of several of the topmost young leaves that will absorb the active ingredient best. Always paste the underside of leaves as here are the stomata through which the plant breathes and can absorb the gel. We put some detergent into the Original to assist in breaking down any of the plant’s waxy protective layer. Spreading grasses with long rhizomes like kikuyu are easily killed in this way.

Important Notes:

⚠️ Safety Warning: MetGel and Picloram / Picloram Plus+ have significantly more residual soil activity than the glyphosate gels, and can move through ground moisture. MetGel has a soil half-life of roughly 30–90 days, and Picloram roughly 2–6 months, perhaps longer in clay soils. Do not use either near desirable non-target plants, within the root zone of prized trees, or around waterways and wetlands.
When using MetGel or Picloram, never apply it inside the drip line (canopy edge) of prized trees or broadleaf garden plants. On flat ground, keep a 3 to 5-metre safety buffer. On sloping ground where the weed is uphill from desirable species, extend that buffer to 5 to 10 metres.
Weeds often grow along streams and in gullies. If you’re working near waterways, use Bamboo Buster. Do not allow any weed gel to enter the water.
Only treat weeds / target plants / trees that are on your property, or that you have permission to treat. Be aware that some species might have protection status or have a notable status, or be a designated scheduled tree under the district plan – if in doubt, check with your local council.
Safety First: Wear gloves and protective clothing and observe all safety protocols, especially when using machinery, chainsaws and other tools.
When using any herbicide ensure you READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY, and follow all instructions and directions for the purchase, use and storage of the product.
If in doubt, seek professional advice.

You don’t need to apply much gel to many leaves. It is often quickest to just grasp the top of the plant and pull the leaves towards you so you can easily apply the gel to the underside of the leaves. So much easier and quicker than getting out the sprayer. And much more targeted.