Q: How do I safely dispose of the debris so it doesn't spread melaleuca?

A:  In most cases, melaleuca and other invasive plant debris can be included in curb-side waste pick-up, bulk waste pick-up, or green yard waste pick-up if your city provides that service. Contact your local waste management department to find out your options. Any seeds on the tree will be released within days of killing it; try to contain debris and seeds in a small area to limit seed dispersal and limit the area where follow-up treatments of new seedlings may be needed. Keep cut branches, trunks and uprooted seedlings well out of reach of water or wet soil. Debris can be mulched but should then be composted for at least 3 months to kill seeds. Melaleuca wood can also be burned.