Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework for the safe and compliant use of herbicides in tree care across Australian workplaces. It helps organisations control chemical risks, protect workers, the public and the environment, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and environmental legislation.

Herbicide use in tree care is common for managing unwanted regrowth, invasive species and root intrusion, but it introduces significant risks if not tightly controlled. Workers can be exposed to hazardous chemicals through skin contact, inhalation or accidental ingestion, and poorly planned application can contaminate waterways, damage desirable vegetation and attract regulatory scrutiny. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, defensible system for planning, preparing and carrying out herbicide application in tree care tasks such as stump treatments, cut‑stump and frill applications, basal bark treatments and targeted foliar spraying.

Developed for Australian conditions, the SOP aligns with WHS obligations and typical label and SDS requirements, while also recognising local council, utility and environmental constraints. It guides businesses to select appropriate products and equipment, verify competency and licensing, implement exclusion zones, manage weather and drift, and document each application. By adopting this SOP, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of chemical exposure, misapplication and environmental harm, while improving consistency across crews and supporting robust incident and audit trails.

This document is especially valuable for organisations managing dispersed tree assets—such as councils, utilities and contractors—who need clear, repeatable instructions that can be rolled out across multiple work sites. It supports safer field decision‑making, better communication with the public, and easier integration with existing SWMS, risk assessments and environmental management plans.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe, controlled herbicide use in tree care activities, reducing the risk of worker exposure and chemical incidents.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS, pesticide control and environmental protection requirements across Australian jurisdictions.
• Reduce off-target damage to desirable trees, vegetation and sensitive ecosystems through clearly defined application and drift‑control methods.
• Standardise herbicide selection, mixing, application and record‑keeping across crews and contractors to improve quality and consistency.
• Minimise complaints and reputational damage by managing public interface, signage, notification and site presentation during and after application.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Tree Workers and Ground Crew
• Vegetation Management Supervisors
• Parks and Gardens Managers
• Local Government Tree Management Officers
• Utility Vegetation Management Coordinators
• Landscape Contractors
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Environmental Officers
• Contract Administrators overseeing tree maintenance contracts

Hazards Addressed

• Skin and eye contact with liquid concentrates and diluted herbicide mixes
• Inhalation of mists, aerosols or vapours during mixing and spraying
• Accidental ingestion due to poor hygiene or contaminated food, drink or smoking materials
• Chemical burns or irritation from spills, splashes or incorrect handling
• Off-target herbicide drift affecting desirable trees, crops, gardens or native vegetation
• Contamination of soil, stormwater systems, creeks and other waterways
• Pressurised spray equipment failures causing injection, leaks or sudden release
• Manual handling strains from lifting and carrying chemical containers, knapsacks and spray units
• Slips, trips and falls when working on uneven, vegetated or wet terrain while carrying herbicide equipment
• Exposure of members of the public, pets or wildlife to recently treated areas or unsecured chemicals
• Fire or explosion risks when using flammable herbicide carriers or solvents near ignition sources
• Adverse health effects due to inadequate or inappropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Herbicide Types and Tree Care Applications)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Manufacturer Instructions
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 6.0 Herbicide Selection, Label Compliance and SDS Review
• 7.0 Required PPE, Tools and Equipment
• 8.0 Transport, Storage and Handling of Herbicides
• 9.0 Mixing, Dilution and Decanting Procedures
• 10.0 Application Methods (Cut-Stump, Frill/Girdle, Basal Bark, Foliar, Root Zone)
• 11.0 Controls for Drift, Weather Conditions and Sensitive Receptors
• 12.0 Public Safety, Signage, Exclusion Zones and Notifications
• 13.0 Environmental Protection Measures and Spill Prevention
• 14.0 Post-Application Monitoring, Clean-Up and Waste Disposal
• 15.0 Record-Keeping, Mapping and Reporting Requirements
• 16.0 Emergency Response, First Aid and Spill Management
• 17.0 Training, Supervision and Review of Procedure
• 18.0 Document Control and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 2210 series: Occupational protective footwear
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS 2507: The storage and handling of agricultural and veterinary chemicals
• Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as adopted in relevant Australian state or territory)
• Relevant state and territory pesticide control / agricultural chemicals legislation and guidelines
• Environment protection legislation and local council requirements relating to chemical use near waterways and sensitive areas