Remove Scotch Broom!
Invasive Scotch Broom
Scotch Broom Removal
Although pretty when in bloom, each plant can produce up to 40,000 seeds that can survive in the ground through drought and fire. Stands of Scotch Broom disrupt local streams and overtake native plants and wildflowers that local wildlife rely upon for survival. The highly flammable brush produces a fire hazard in Nevada County, an area especially vulnerable to fire.
In California, it is a Class C noxious weed, which means the state attempts to control it, but it is up to volunteers to keep the plant from spreading. The only way to get rid of Scotch Broom is to remove the entire root system and plant. Look for annual broom removal workdays this spring, remove Scotch Broom before it goes to seed and grow native plants in your backyard for beauty, food and health for humans and our local habitat.
Pull small to medium plants by hand, easier after the rain, but large ones need to be removed with a special tool. The Firesafe Council has an application to borrowscotch broom removal tools: http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/
2 comments on “Remove Scotch Broom!”
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I haven’t heard of this method but would love to compare its ability to prevent regrowth to the commonly recommended weed wrench method! It sounds easier and hopefully is equally as effective.
Pulling Scotch Broom out by the roots is a bad idea. Here’s why: when uprooting Scotch Broom, the soil is greatly disturbed, allowing the seeds present there to germinate more readily. The best practice for removal is to get a pair of Corona pruning shears with 36″ handles. I recommend Corona’s because they have a lifetime warranty and Corona will replace any part that breaks for free for as long as you own the shears. To remove the Scotch Broom, use the shears to cut the main stem at soil level or just below — this is very important — do not leave an inch or two of stem remaining above ground or it will re-sprout! After cutting, gently kick a bit of soil onto the cut stem and the root system will then rot. Ideally, after an area has been cleared of the broom in this manner, you will want to sheet mulch the area with plain brown cardboard and a 3″ layer of rice straw on top which will help prevent any seeds on the ground from receiving sunlight which will encourage them to sprout. This method is far easier than pulling and greatly minimizes seed resprouting!