Privet Control

Privet Control 

There are two types of privet in New Zealand that need to be controlled. 

Common Names: Tree Privet and Chinese Privet 

Scientific Names: Ligustrum lucidum and Ligustrum sinense 

Description: Tree privet is an evergreen tree with dark green glossy leaves.  The tree flowers between November and March with small cream flowers.  The berries that follow are dark purple to black in colour.  This fast growing scrub can reach up to 10 metres in height.  The Chinese privet is a smaller plant growing to 5 metres.  It has tubular white flowers and similar fruit to the Tree Privet.  Both pest plants are mainly found in the northern part of the north island. 

Problem: Tree Privet is listed on the National Pest Plant Accord.  It is a fast growing tree which can easily out-compete native plants in the bush.  The leaves and fruit are poisonous and it is believed to be linked to instances of hay-fever, asthma and allergies.  Chinese privet has the same problems and is subject to Pest Management Strategies in many Regions in New Zealand even though it is not listed on the National Pest Plant Accord.  They are both commonly seen in gardens as the ornamentals they were originally intended as, but unfortunately they have escaped and thrived in less controlled areas.   

Management: Privet control can be achieved with manual or herbicide control. 

Privet Control Methods:  For small plants privet control is easily achieved with hand pulling out the entire plant.  For large plants privet should be stump cut and then pasted with herbicide.  For large areas of privet control, herbicide can be applied by ground or aerially.