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The National Programme is researching control methods and developing guidelines for good practice. These guides summarise standards expected for safe wilding conifer control.

The following guides are available:

Aerial Foliar Spray Application (AFSA)

This picture shows a helicopter with boom attachment applying chemical for aerial foliar spray onto wilding conifer treesAerial spraying by helicopter boom (AFSA) can be a cost-effective way to control large areas of dense wilding conifer infestations.

Updated December 2021 to include guidance on managing water contamination risk and water sampling. There are further minor updates listed on page 3.

Latest update: March 2022 with some minor amendments

Cut Stump

This image shows a wilding pine tree stump with a ring of herbicide around the stump to show it has been controlled.

Cut stump is a control method that involves cutting a tree down and applying herbicide to the cut stump to prevent regrowth. It is suitable for the control of trees which are accessible from the ground and where the risk of damage to surrounding vegetation is minimal or not a concern.

Latest update: November 2021

Video - Good Practice Guide for Cut Stump

It’s important to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the cutting tool you are using.

This video demonstrates the cut stump method.
Filmed in June 2022

Ground-Based Herbicide Injection: Drill and Fill

This image shows a wilding pine contractor wearing full PPE including helmet, earmuffs and facemask whilst drilling into the trunk of a wilding pine.
Rather than cutting down large trees, it is often better to drill holes into a tree’s trunk and fill the holes with herbicide. This is a good option on difficult terrain where felling is unsafe.

Latest update: October 2021

Video - Good Practice Guide for Drill and Fill

It’s important to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the herbicide you are using.
This video demonstrates the drill and fill method.
Filmed in September 2021.

Aerial Basal Bark Application (ABBA)

 The image shows a helicopter hovering over a wilding conifer with a contractor leaning out of the helicopter with a nozzle and spraying chemical on a lone wilding pine. This is Aerial Basal Bark application control method for wilding pines

The ABBA method of wilding conifer control involves chemically ring-barking trees by using a wand to apply herbicide from a helicopter. Dead trees are left standing until they naturally rot away. It is the most efficient way to control scattered wildings in difficult-access areas or within high value vegetation.


Latest update: July 2020

WCIS User Guide

 WCIS User Guide - January 2022

Latest update: January 2022