Can an invasive weed become a sanctuary for native wildlife?

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The camphor laurel is a relentless invader, using chemical warfare to smother local flora. Yet, ecologists are finding a way to turn this destructive force into a vital resource for Australia's fauna by transforming its wood into artificial nesting hollows.

Native to Asia, the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) is a massive, fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 30 metres. In New South Wales and Queensland, it is classified as a declared noxious weed. The tree employs two aggressive survival strategies: it exudes an oil that smells distinct when crushed, and it is allelopathic, meaning it releases chemicals that prevent other plants from growing nearby. Even falling leaves can smother and kill smaller vegetation, leaving the ground around the tree barren.

While the tree is a menace to biodiversity, arborist Steve Collom uses a technique called 'conservation arboriculture' to repurpose the wood. In Australia, approximately 300 fauna species rely on tree hollows for survival, yet very few species are capable of creating their own. Because urban management often involves pruning or removing trees before they reach 'hollow bearing potential,' there is a significant shortage of natural nesting sites. Natural hollows can take hundreds of years to develop, but specialized arborists can fast-forward this process in just 30 minutes.

The process involves ringbarking the tree at the base to kill it and heavily reducing the canopy to prevent limbs from falling. Once the tree is stabilized, sections of the trunk are carved out and then screwed back onto the tree, creating a lid for an internal cavity. These artificial hollows are precision-engineered; the internal shape and entrance dimensions are carefully designed to cater to specific residents, such as microbats, gliders, or small parrots. At White's Hill, over 10 such hollows have been installed into camphor laurels to provide immediate housing for local wildlife.

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