Good Practice Guides
Best practice in the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme
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 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 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
It’s important to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the cutting tool you are using.
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
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
Latest update: January 2022