Are tree-changers bad at managing their rural properties? A new study wades into the weeds to find the answer

• So will this lead to more absentee neighbours who, in the eyes of some, don’t know what they’re doing?
• You’re also expected to take on certain responsibilities, such as managing weeds on the property.
• We found almost everyone, including absentee landowners, were concerned about weeds and spent a lot of time managing them.

Tree-changers: friend or foe?

• They can also be tree-changers who are generally more interested in rural lifestyles and “getting into nature” than farming the land.
• Of all absentee landowners, tree-changers can readily attract complaints because of the significant changes they bring to the look and culture of rural areas.
• They often occupy former farmland and may cease farming, engage in conservation work, build new houses or just ride motorbikes all weekend.
• Read more:
  A botanical detective story: shedding light on the journey out of Africa for one of Australia's worst weeds

The evidence is mixed

• But another US study did not identify residential status as a factor in weed management.
• In Australia, research tends to note absentee owners as an issue for weed management.

Our results

• They include towns such as Bega, Bowral, Candelo, Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Nowra.
• We surveyed 439 landowners about their behaviours and attitudes toward weeds and their management.
• Both groups said weed management was a priority and said being a good neighbour was a primary motivation for taking action.
• An overwhelming number of people in both groups managed weeds (and spent one to five hours per week doing so).

Look beyond where people live

• This must be recognised in both research and policy.
• Absenteeism is just one part of the puzzle – and perhaps not as important as we might think.
• This should involve in-depth case studies to tease out the issues underpinning community tensions about weed management and identify common ground.