Herbicide Guide for Preparing Native Planting Sites

This guide outlines herbicide options for pre-planting site preparation to support the successful establishment of native vegetation. It focuses on the safe and effective control of invasive weeds and grasses.

HERBICIDE NAME
ACTIVE INGREDIENT		 HOW IT WORKS USE/ BEST PRACTICE WEEDS/GRASSES CONTROLLED KNAPSACK SPRAY RATE
(PER 15L SPRAYER)		 NOTES/COMMENTS
Rainbow & Brown Glyphosate 360
360 g/L glyphosate		 Foliar absorption with translocation through the plant to the roots. Release spray to control most weeds & grasses. Also for cut stump treatment. Kills most grasses, broadleaf weeds & brushweeds. 150 ml Avoid green bark/foliage of non-target plants. Low drift risk. Safe for immediate planting.
Rainbow & Brown Glyphosate 540
540 g/L glyphosate		 As above. (higher concentration – use less) As above. (higher concentration – use less) As above. (higher concentration – use less) 100 ml As above.
Granny Herbicide
800 g/kg glyphosate		 As above. (granular formulation) As above. (granular formulation) As above. (granular formulation) 68 g As above.
Halox 100 EC
100 g/L haloxyfop		 Foliar absorption with minimal residual activity. Often mixed with Ralid for better broadleaf weed, thistle, clover control. Kills grass species only (monocots) incl. native grasses, rushes, flax, cabbage trees.
Does not kill broadleaf weeds.		 19–225 ml
(depends on grass species)		 Slightly volatile. Short residue times & short (1 hr) rainfastness.
Ralid
300 g/L clopyralid		 Absorbed by foliage, stems, roots. Systemic action. Often tank-mix with other herbicides to broaden weed spectrum. Kills thistles, legumes, daisy family members.
Does not kill grasses.		 37.5 ml Do not use if site material will be composted. Not for home garden use. Will kill native legumes and grasses.
Terbuthylazine 500
500 g/L terbuthylazine		 Inhibits photosynthesis, absorbed mainly via roots. Release spray or used when pre-planting. Often mixed with glyphosate. Controls a wide range of annual and perennial grasses and weeds. 825 ml Risk of leaching – avoid near roots of non-target plants. Some spray drift possible.