Kōrero: Weeds of the bush

These pine trees are spreading over tussock grasslands on Coronet Peak in Central Otago. The main wilding (uncultivated) pine species are Pinus radiata, Pinus contorta and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Their seeds are dispersed by the wind, sometimes into tussock grasslands. If nothing is done, the grasslands become pine forest. Small pine seedlings can be pulled out by hand, but larger trees need to be felled and their stumps coated with herbicide.