Sustainable Timber Tasmania uses chemicals as part of its Chemical Program in limited circumstances where it is essential to manage weeds and pests and promote optimal tree growth.

There are two main uses: 

  • Insecticide application to prevent severe defoliation of eucalypt plantations by insect pests; and
  • Herbicide application for controlling weeds prior to tree planting or sowing.

All chemicals used by Sustainable Timber Tasmania are approved for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, and Responsible Wood certification processes. 

The use of insecticides is informed by an extensive monitoring program to detect and estimate potentially damaging insect population levels. Application of insecticides only occurs if insect population thresholds are exceeded, and weather conditions are suitable.

From 2023 no Sustainable Timber Tasmania coupes required the application of insecticide. 

Access Map

To identify coupes or areas of interest, please view Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Access Map.

Please select the Herbicide Application Spring Summer 2024/25 and Plantation Monitoring Spring Summer 2024/25 options on the Access Map to view the locations of the listed coupes and zoom in on an area of interest.

Provided on the access map is a list of the coupes that:

  • Are being monitored for potential insect control this summer and therefore may require an insecticide application between November 2024 and February 2025; or
  • Are expected to require a herbicide application in the next 6 months.