Aerial spray aims to kill willow trees

Around 23 hectares will be sprayed in an effort to knock back invasive crack willow trees in the Te Henga wetlands.

The aerial operation will be conducted by helicopter and is being co-ordinated by the Conservation Department in conjunction with the Waitakere city, Rodney district and Auckland regional councils.

Waitakere spokesman Glyn Walters says all surrounding landowners have consented to the spraying but a start date has yet to be set.

"The council is currently liaising with the community to identify the best date to conduct the operation and will be placing public notices and ads in the Bethells/Te Henga area closer to the time," he says.

Spraying will take place on a windless day over three hours.

Mr Walters says great care will be taken not to damage the surrounding environment.

"The regional council will monitor air quality, water quality and flora and fauna during and immediately after the operation," he says.

"Previous spray trials have resulted in the willows showing signs of death within a month of spraying and the native plants below the willow canopy flourishing.

"Water tests done before, during and after the spray trials showed no negative impacts on aquatic life or surrounding areas."

Mr Walters says spraying is necessary because willows pose a considerable flood risk and displace native growth and wildlife.

Call Glyn Walters on 839-3407 for more information.

- © Fairfax NZ News